Lawmaker: Matheny abused political power

By JAMES CLARK / Editor for the Southern Standard

REP. MATHENY

An ethics complaint has been filed against state Rep. Judd Matheny claiming he inappropriately used his political influence to advise a title loan company seeking favorable legislation.

Matheny, R-Tullahoma, has constituents in the western portion of Warren County.

In an interview with the Standard, Matheny contends he has done nothing wrong, but that didn’t stop state Rep. Phillip Pinion, D-Union City, from filing a formal complaint this week with the House Ethics Committee.

Pinion is accusing Matheny of inappropriately advising Tullahoma-based 3D Financial. Matheny reportedly told 3D officials which lawmakers to target for campaign contributions in order to influence legislation impacting 3D. The title loan industry has come under fire for lending money at astronomical interest rates, some as high as 391 percent.

Matheny was said to have identified 31 legislators for 3D to make campaign contributions in December ranging from $500 to $1,000. Matheny himself received a contribution of $5,000 from 3D, although he says owner Ed Davenport is a “strong supporter” and personal friend.

“I didn’t carry any legislation for them. I represented them as one of my constituents,” said Matheny about his relationship with 3D. “And everything was done with full disclosure, 100 percent. That’s how this was discovered because I did it with full disclosure and that’s the way it should be done.”

Pinion told the Associated Press he didn’t like the fact Matheny included a note on his campaign stationery and that note was sent along with the campaign contributions to lawmakers. In all, 3D made more than $20,000 in contributions.

“If he had been a freshman lawmaker, I would have passed it off,” said Pinion, adding that Matheny’s actions don’t look good with legislators in the midst of a special session on ethics. “But he knows better. I’m sick and tired of seeing these offices cheapened.”

Matheny told the Standard he doesn’t consider the widespread campaign contributions to be bribes.

“If someone gives me a campaign contribution they’re not bribing me, they’re supporting me,” said Matheny. “Campaign contributions are a way for the public to support elected officials. It’s a way to say you generally agree with a certain candidate because you’re never going to agree on everything.”

Matheny pointed out with campaign signs and advertising, it’s expensive to run for office and campaign contributions are necessary so candidates don’t have to absorb all that expense themselves.

The office of House Majority Leader Kim McMillan, D-Clarksville and chair of the Ethics Committee, said the complaint will be examined by the General Assembly’s legal staff to certify its appropriateness and a ruling could come in several weeks.