Mark Lovell was a Republican state representative in Tennessee for about 100 days. He won the GOP primary over the incumbent who had a DUI and a firearms arrest, and then an arrest for stealing Lovell’s yard signs. Lovell bailed him out of jail which seems a clever campaign act that only cost $100. Like many legislators, he went frequently to industry receptions where free food an alcohol are served. These are legal so long as all legislators are invited. He seemed to get drunk at these events.
On Feb. 7, 2018, Lovell attended five receptions. He got visibly drunk and in front of a room full of witnesses grabbed one woman’s breasts and buttocks; prevented another woman from walking away from him; and touched a third woman inappropriately. One of the women filed a formal complaint. The house ethics committee investigated and found he definitely did what several people saw and a few photographed.
He continued to deny it but resigned, signing a resignation letter written by Republican party leadership.
- The Tennessean: Schmoozing, boozing and a quiet resignation, Mark Lovell’s 100 days on Capitol Hill
- Tennessee Journal: Investigation finds Lovell violated sexual harassment policy
15 Feb 2017
