2007 TOP 10 STORIES OF THE YEAR-1. Jerry Cooper’s plight

After enduring a year marked by a federal trial, allegations of campaign fund abuse, and a drunk driving conviction, the 23-year tenure of state Sen. Jerry Cooper came to an end this month with his retirement from public office. One year is left on his sixth term.

The Democrat from Morrison tendered his resignation following a year in which he was acquitted on federal bank and wire fraud charges. Cooper was charged with the federal felonies for allegedly using his political position to obtain a higher assessment on his lumber mill during a land sale several years ago. Jurors took only a few minutes to return a not-guilty verdict following a week-long trial in Chattanooga.

While acquitted on the federal charges, Cooper was not as fortunate when it came to a drunk driving charge as he served 24 hours for an incident which nearly cost him his life in February.

It was then lawmen say Cooper’s vehicle crossed the center line on Interstate 24 as he was returning home from a series of legislative receptions. The vehicle rolled several times, leaving the 57-year-old senator with critical injuries. A subsequent investigation revealed Cooper was driving with an alcohol level well over the legal limit. Cooper entered a no-contest plea to the drunk driving charge in Rutherford County.

Along with the drunk driving charge, Cooper was hit with campaign finance charges and fined $120,000 for mixing campaign funds with his private funds. The amount of the fine is under appeal.

Cooper announced his retirement from the General Assembly earlier this month.