State Sen. A.B. Swindell won't return $300 in campaign contributions he has received from Boyce Allen Hudson, a former state official who admitted to soliciting a bribe.
Swindell, a Nashville Democrat, said he has known Hudson for more than 25 years and considers him a friend. Hudson's wife, Maureen Hudson, is an assistant in Swindell's senate office. Hudson pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to extortion and money laundering. The charges arose from a scheme in which Hudson promised to guarantee a permit for an ethanol company in exchange for cash and a two-year consulting contract.
"I certainly don't cast my friends in a ditch," Swindell said. "This plea was between him and the courts. Obviously, my relationship with him has been as a friend and a professional."
On Friday, the state Republican Party issued a news release calling on Swindell to return the contributions: $100 given in 2000 and $200 given in 2008.
"Though Sen. Swindell may not have known of Boyce Hudson’s illegal activity, he badly misjudged the man’s character. Sen. Swindell should return his tainted money immediately," state GOP chairwoman Linda Daves said in a statement.
More after the jump.
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Swindell said he learned of the charges and Hudson's activity at the same time as Hudson's wife — about a month ago. Swindell met Boyce Hudson when Hudson was the town manager of Wilson and later Elm City. The two shared interests in the environment and duck hunting.
Swindell said he discouraged his friend from giving campaign contributions.
"He gave it out of friendship to me and not any other reason than that," Swindell said.
Hudson's case suggests the state may need to change the ethics law to force state employees to wait a year before becoming consultants or lobbyists.
Swindell said that when Hudson's wife learned of the charges, she offerred to resign. He wouldn't accept.
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