COLLIERVILLE, TN (abc24.com) – Tennessee State Rep. Curry Todd is out on $3,000 bond after an arrest for driving under the influence. The sponsor of the “guns in bars” bill is charged with DUI and possession of a handgun while under the influence.
Cops stopped him on the road in Nashville late on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. According to an affidavit, police said he was unsteady on his feet, had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Cops also found a loaded gun between his seat and center console.
Todd told cops he had two drinks and refused to take a breath alcohol test.
"I don’t think that's a good thing!" said Memphis resident Thelma Madison.
Robert Summerall, who also lives in Shelby County, agreed.
"I thought he should be setting a better example than that, as far as passing laws,” Summerall said. “I think we should reconsider who is making our laws."
Curry has been a Tennessee lawmaker for years, recently sponsoring a bill to allow people with gun permits to take their weapons into bars.
"A DUI and a gun, yeah, that's two laws [broken] and he's making our laws,” Summerall said. “He should be a better example in Nashville."
This is not the first time Todd has faced criticism. Last fall he compared pregnant illegal immigrants to "breeding rats," but later apologized. Now voters wonder whether Tuesday’s arrest will lead to another apology.
"We'll see how the outcome is,” Summerall said. “I'm sure there's going to be a lot of outcry if it doesn't turn out the way people think it's supposed to."
Late Wednesday afternoon, Representative Curry Todd issued the following statement:
“Let me begin by saying I am deeply sorry for the events of last evening. On the advice of legal counsel, I have decided not to make any public comments about the situation at this time.
Upon her return to the Capitol, I will have a conversation with Speaker Harwell to determine whether it is in the best interest of the General Assembly for me to step aside as Chairman of the State and Local Government Committee.
On a personal note, I am incredibly grateful for the calls of support from constituents, colleagues, and friends about this incident.”
