UPDATE II: Richardson’s ex-wife: Speaker’s suicide attempt aimed at controlling her
The former wife of House Speaker Glenn Richardson told an Atlanta television station on Monday that her ex-husband’s attempted suicide was less about taking his own life than it was gaining control over her.
“I don’t think it was because he was depressed. I think it was power and control that motivated him to do this,” Susan Richardson told the station, according to a video of the interview posted on the station’s Web site.
Susan Richardson’s revelations prompted the leader of the House Democrats on Tuesday to say it’s time for the public to know the truth.
Update 12:18 p.m. The leader of the majority Republican caucus meanwhile, declined to comment about Susan Richardson’s statements. House Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons Island) said he has not had a chance to talk to the speaker or “look at everything that has been said.”
But when asked if Richardson should resign as speaker, Keen said, “What I think would be fair is to let me get back over there and sit down with our leadership team and talk with the Speaker.”
Glenn Richardson, the Republican leader of the House, attempted to kill himself on Nov. 8 at his Paulding County home. He admitted the attempt on his own life in a statement to the media nearly a week later. Paulding County sheriff’s reports show that Richardson was found in his bathroom with a revolver and was semi-conscious and did not respond to verbal commands. In a 911 call, Glenn Richardson’s mother said her son told her he had purposely taken some pills and that it was “too late” to help him.
In the interview, Susan Richardson said she is convinced her husband had an affair with an Atlanta Gas Light lobbyist, an affair that prompted an ethics complaint filed by legislative Democrats. The complaint alleged Richardson had an “inappropriate” and “personal” relationship with a lobbyist for the utility while pushing a bill authorizing the utility to build a controversial natural gas pipeline.
According to e-mails Fox 5 quoted between Glenn Richardson and the lobbyist, the speaker calmed her fears of being fired over the allegations by saying he would “bring all hell down on them if they do.”
Susan Richardson also claims that when she recently took a weekend trip with a new boyfriend and left her children with Glenn Richardson, their father, the House speaker sent her dozens of text and e-mail messages threatening to beat her up, to accuse her of abandoning her children and to use the Georgia state patrol and Georgia Bureau of Investigation to locate her.
Fox 5 said it attempted to reach Glenn Richardson, Atlanta Gas Light and their former lobbyist to respond. None would. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution tried to reach a spokesman for Glenn Richardson late Monday, but he could not be reached for comment.
At the time, Richardson denied any conflict, but refused to address the alleged relationship with the lobbyist. Republicans supported Richardson in public; in private, some suggested his aspirations for higher office had been compromised. Richardson has not since talked publicly about running for higher office.
The ethics complaint prompted an ominous speech by Richardson during a breakfast gathering of the state’s business leaders.
“The last few weeks, I have been fed a little poison, and I’ve taken it,” Richardson said. “But the bad news — for those that manufactured, dispensed and stirred unreasonably the poison — is that I survived. I’m looking for the folks that manufactured that poison.”
Susan and Glenn Richardson were married for 17 years. The couple divorced in February of 2008.
On Nov. 13, Glenn Richardson released a statement to the media saying he had tried to commit suicide because he struggled with depression following his “separation and divorce.”
But Susan Richardson said Monday that she doesn’t “really believe it was really an attempt to take his life. I think it was for attention and he got it.”
Her ex-husband, she said, wanted to get back together.
“It’s not about our marriage ending. He’s lost control of me. He doesn’t like that,” Susan Richardson said.
She said that while he was in the hospital recuperating from his attempted suicide, he called her and said, ‘Now, are you going to take me back?’ I said, ‘No, I’m not going to take you back. I’m furious with you, the pain you’ve caused everyone who loves you.’”
Glenn Richardson, in his statement to the media, said he has regularly seen a physician for his depression and takes prescription medication to battle the illness. Susan Richardson told Fox 5 her ex-husband often threatened to commit suicide. “He did this before, when he got caught by me for having an affair with someone,” she told the television station.
Dale Russell, the Fox 5 reporter who conducted the interview, said he asked Susan Richardson if she was referring to the alleged relationship with the lobbyist.
“It’s not an alleged inappropriate relationship,” she responded. “It was a full out affair and I knew about it.”
Richardson said her husband admitted his infidelity and that she obtained emails that detailed the affair.
Since Richardson admitted his attempted suicide, state Republicans have overwhelmingly flocked to his side, offering support. But the bombshell revelations from his ex-wife could change that, one well-connected Republican activist and consultant said late Monday.
“I don’t know how he survives this one,” the Republican said.
Update 11:22 a.m.: Meanwhile, the leader of the House Democrats said Tuesday that Susan Richardson’s revelations prove what they believed to be true.
“It is past time for people to know the truth,” said House Minority Leader DuBose Porter (D-Dublin), who is running for his party’s nomination for governor in 2010. “What she said is what everyone around the Capitol knew to be true. It’s an indication of the arrogance of this leadership and the corruption that is out of control and in exchange for favors. ”
Porter said he still hopes Richardson gets help, but said his caucus leadership will likely meet later this week to discuss the situation.
Richardson has not said so explicitly, but he has indicated that he has no plans to resign as speaker. If he does not, state law does allow for a method of removing him from the position.
Section 28-1-6.1 of the Georgia code of laws is titled “Method for determining permanent disability of Speaker of the House of Representatives.” It says:
“Upon a petition of 20 members of the majority caucus of the House of Representatives being filed with the Clerk of the House that the Speaker of the House is unable to perform the duties of that office because of physical or mental disability, the Clerk shall make a copy of the petition for the records of his office and shall transmit, within three days, the original to the chairman of the majority caucus along with his certificate as to the date and time on which the petition was filed with him. The chairman shall call a meeting of the caucus to be held within five days from the date he receives the petition and certificate from the Clerk. Such meeting shall be for the purpose of holding a hearing on the petition and the caucus shall adopt rules for the conduct of the hearing. After the hearing the members of the caucus shall vote and if a majority of the membership of the caucus votes that there is a disability and that such disability is permanent the office shall be declared vacant and the Speaker Pro Tempore shall become Speaker and serve until a Speaker is elected.”
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194 comments Add your comment
Dick Johnson
November 30th, 2009
11:07 pm
Aaron Gould Sheinin is a terrifiied media toady for Richardson, just like Erick Erickson and the rest of Georgia’s dinosaur media. He will never bring us the real truth. Praise God for Susan Richardson. There is a lot more to come about Glenn Richardson. This is a dangerous and disturbed man whose psychotic behavior was ignored by Sheinin and his media overlords for many, many years. Soon you will learn about the criminal and bizarre behavior this man has demonstrated. Then you will ask yourself “where was the media”?” The answer will be simple: “Up the Republicans butts.”
Inga
November 30th, 2009
11:11 pm
Are these the family values that I, as a gay person, should aspire to? Reprobates like this can be legally married, have affairs, and get ‘unmarried’, but it is against the law for me and my committed partner of over 13 years to get married b/c we are the same gender. I’m sorry for the children of this ‘marriage’, but I swear that gay people are not the biggest threat to America’s families – straight people are.
Relentless
November 30th, 2009
11:19 pm
Looks like these power hungry, sexually perverted, crooked politicians will never learn. And, it looks like we wont either, because we keep on re-electing them rather than electing non career replacements. Of course, we will hear all of the other slime balls in the statehouse call for his head, but you can make a safe bet that these hypocrites are doing the same thing.
S
November 30th, 2009
11:20 pm
Good for you MRS. Richardson. Thanks for coming forward with the truth. In articles about the Richardson divorce last year and how the terms of the divorce were kept secret was the first clue that Richardson had an affair, just who does he think he was fooling. One only needed to read between the lines to know the truth. What a sorry excuse for a Republican Representative of our state, or maybe I should say, typical. Resign you loser.
JD in Marietta
November 30th, 2009
11:23 pm
Inga, this article has nothing to do with political parties. It discusses his ex-wives point of view regarding his “attempted” suicide attempt. To get on your gay soapbox is so far off target that I find it embarrassing that you are on here. Glenn Richardson plain and simple is an egotistical wanker, whether he be black or white, Dem or Repub. The guy is a narcasist who is simply bummed out that he’s not the next Gov of GA. I am a Repub but I cant stand the guy;he’s a world class turd. It personally doesn’t bother me if you live with your girlfriend but in my opinion marriage is between a man and a woman, not Joanie and Pinkie Tuscadaro. My wife, a bleeding heart liberal, feels the same way. Have a good night.
George
November 30th, 2009
11:25 pm
Richardson needs to step down as speaker. GEORGIA doesn’t need another woman chaser in the Capital, there is enough there already.
Aaron Gould Sheinin
November 30th, 2009
11:25 pm
OK, everyone. I’m going to bed now. Please, let’s keep it civil and clean in here tonight. Thanks, Aaron.
Dick Johnson
November 30th, 2009
11:27 pm
Don’t worry Aaron. You’ve kept it “clean” for your buddy Glenn Richardson all these years. The least we can do is return the favor.
Bushie Boy
November 30th, 2009
11:30 pm
Another “family values” Republican. By the way, utility industry lobbyists screwing legislators isn’t a new thing in Ga. and Ga Power isn’t the only industry company with a lobbyist doing it.
JD in Marietta
November 30th, 2009
11:32 pm
No worries, Richardson is toast and no longer effective as Speaker of the house. The position is largely ceremonial and as I mentioned earlier the guy is an egomaniac. He will be chasing ambulances in South Paulding Co before you know it. Hopefully the state of GA will be rid of this POS in 2010;he’s toxic.
FALCON JOSH
November 30th, 2009
11:39 pm
If she can provide the text messages he should be removed from office! To threaten her by using the Georgia state patrol and Georgia Bureau of Investigation to locate her should be investigated. Also the allegation of causing her bodily harm is very serious stuff.
Inga
November 30th, 2009
11:39 pm
Hey JD, the fact that you cannot recognize that this is completely about political parties says it all. Republicans are the party of meanness, hatred and fear, and Richardson personifies this. Prior to 2008, the past two elections cycles were won by republicans who espoused a ‘family values’ agenda by slamming gay people every chance they had. Richardson rode that wave, so yes, I have a right to be here and to be vocal. Don’t be embarrassed for me, be embarrassed by the actions of your party.
James
November 30th, 2009
11:42 pm
Thanks for writing as unbiased a story as you could, Aaron. Most who say differently do not want information, they either want their opinions to be affirmed or they’re just ready to fight.
Arthur Blank
November 30th, 2009
11:44 pm
Keep it civil and clean? Why? Sounds like off handed censorship to me. Yeah that’s right, lets only talk about Richardson’s good points. That’s easy enough, there aren’t any.
csquared
November 30th, 2009
11:46 pm
This is GEORGIA, JD, I wouldn’t bet on the Legislature (or the voters) to grow a SPINE anytime soon. Ineffective lawmakers seem to be the norm. Maybe he can join his buddy and GO FISHing!
Aaron Gould Sheinin
November 30th, 2009
11:46 pm
Arthur, that’s not at all what I mean, and I think you know it.
Aaron Gould Sheinin
November 30th, 2009
11:47 pm
Thanks, James. Appreciate it.
FALCON JOSH
November 30th, 2009
11:47 pm
Mr. Blank we need a new kicker!!!
Aaron Gould Sheinin
November 30th, 2009
11:47 pm
Dick, I let this go before. But “all these years”? I’ve been at the AJC two years this week. And as for buddy, well, considering he’s never once agreed to a one-on-one interview with me, I think that’s a stretch.
Aaron Gould Sheinin
November 30th, 2009
11:48 pm
Ha, Falcon Josh. Nice, but wrong blog and, most likely, wrong Arthur Blank!
EqualityForAll
December 1st, 2009
12:18 am
Wow! Watch the dinosaurs circle around this dead one and screech that he is okay. And they shall wonder why the Rs are dying, except in their precious Deep South. Out with him, you idiots. You behave this way and then tell gays they can’t be married?! Please explain this to me and my children. What a bunch of bigots. And I bet most of the Rs will want to protect this complete idiot. Yes, your marriage is special and holy, isn’t it? Recall how he got his divorce in like a day or two? Another sham. So now tell me why he should be speaker of the house.
uberVU - social comments
December 1st, 2009
12:19 am
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by AJCGeorgia: Richardson’s wife says suicide attempt aimed at controlling her: http://tinyurl.com/yebp88p http://bit.ly/4MtRhm…
bigdawg88
December 1st, 2009
12:26 am
This guy must have a lot of nekkid pictures! How the heck does he stay in office? Even the republicans are going to have to realize this guy is a sociopath (or is that psychopath?) and needs to be gone. Let him go back to chasing ambulances as JD says.
Sort of scary how many of these guys exist in politics. Guess all we can do is pray, and vote!
PoliticiansRAllAlike
December 1st, 2009
12:45 am
The same over-wound, testosterone-overdosed men who get all woo-woo about running for office are the same ones whose egos just have to have more, more, more — and it’s never enough for them. It’s a mental illness, and they need prescriptions and therapy, not constituencies.
This TOTALLY confirms everything I’ve always believed about our state legislature and all those nasty lobbyists down there. No morals, no ethics, just deals – done by a capitol building full of scum and slime. All those Bubbas deserve ONE TERM, and no more, not ever.
I wouldn’t give a drink of water to a thirsty lobbyist if one begged at my door. They’re disgusting, and if we were all good Americans, we’d run them out of our state capitols and DC with pitchforks.
Freddy Sykes
December 1st, 2009
1:27 am
Susan sounds about as ignorant (about suicide) and deluded (as to her own importance) as her [ex]husband is scummy. Since he didn’t develop into a jerk mrely at the tail-end (forgive the pun) of her so-called marriage, why didn’t she divorce him earlier? She probably relishd all the perquistes & prestige being Mrs. RICHardson conferred. And, she should adduce all those “dozens” of threatening emails as her bona fides.
Icon
December 1st, 2009
1:43 am
The schadenfreude is strong with this one. So strong and so very sweet. I hope all you Christians pray for your little pal Glenn. Asking his wife to come up to hold the Bible for him is particularly cruel. Such hypocrisy.
Did I miss the stories about Richardson being in AGL’s pocket during the period when he was trying to get their 300 million dollar pipeline built? A little tail and Glenn was ready to do what his corporate overlords wished? Please publish the name of the AGL lobbyist and her immediate supervisors. There’s a bigger story there.
Susan's Move
December 1st, 2009
1:48 am
Susan’s pretty hot—with all the cash she got from her hubby in the divorce, she’s prime quality and will be attracting quite a few “suitors.”
Dale
December 1st, 2009
1:54 am
But marriage is sacred!!!!! How could he?
From his Wikipedia page:
Richardson was a major supporter of legislation in 2004 to pass a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit gay marriage.
Hypocrisy….
Some Other Mike
December 1st, 2009
1:55 am
So much for the ‘live boy’ theory. ^_^
Who Cares
December 1st, 2009
2:48 am
Inga, you’re wrong. This couple was married for 17 yrs. When you get there let me know. Gays have divorces, play around, etc…
Ted Striker
December 1st, 2009
2:51 am
It’s a shame Susan Richardson appears to place a greater premium on airing dirty laundry than she does about the effect it might have on her own children.
Never had an opinion about her till now but that interview displays a woman with an unfortunate and unflattering lack of personal dignity and refinement. It’s highly unattractive.
Joan Moon
December 1st, 2009
5:15 am
I smelled this rat a long time ago. Nothing but a drama king.
Harald
December 1st, 2009
5:36 am
Gay marriage aside (which I do support) this is a prime example of BOTH parties of politicians using their power, money, and prestige to feed their own ego and act like spoiled children. For those partisans out there who are trying to paint this as only a Republican issue…good luck. The next time a Democrat (John Edwards anyone?) does the same thing your childish argument will be exposed.
Eleanor
December 1st, 2009
5:38 am
Thank you Susan for being honest and open about all that your ex tried to hide. He wanted his side kept confidential so it wouldn’t make him look bad – it wasn’t because he was concerned about his family. He is nothing more than a dictator who is slowly losing his dictating powers. The whole way the divorce situation was handled is proof he isn’t what he claims to be. But rest assured his ego and his view of his self importance will continue to be his trademark.
stan
December 1st, 2009
5:43 am
As a man I’m sorry to admit this but woman are much sharper than men. Guys don’t lose your cool because it is a fact, it is something we should accept instead of fight. She outted him as not a man but a little spoiled baby
Who you kiddin
December 1st, 2009
5:45 am
Hats off to the lady. This group of bums from Paulding-Cobb should all be in jail. They’ve buried a couple and put a few more in jail . . . but there are others, many others. How about Brock, or Clay, or the Cobb EMC or the Cobb Dept of Education. This all goes back to Campbell and his bunch of theives – Leibovitz to name just one. Or Barnes and his little gay groupie Matt Towerey who have fixed the Atlanta city election with their little Karim. Thank God at least one person has morality and honesty.
Sowega
December 1st, 2009
5:57 am
I sure as hell don’t want our state house run by someone who’s personal life is a friggin’ soap opera. All these super-moral religious conservatives seem to truly NEED their morality made law, because they obviously can’t follow it without the fear of punishment. That doesn’t even stop them. Just leave, you embarrassment, just leave.
POISON
December 1st, 2009
6:01 am
Poisons are substances that causes disturbances
POISON
December 1st, 2009
6:05 am
This guy is poison and the voters and General Assembly need to get rid of the disturbing control freak.
GM
December 1st, 2009
6:11 am
Glenn Richardson was a lunatic before he was elected speaker. He did have an affair with a lobbyist, whose interests he was supporting in the General Assembly, yet the Republicans did nothing. These are the same Republicans that made up and passed a tailor made tax cut to benefit the governor. These folks are out-and-out crooks, and come January, Glenn Richardson will still be speaker. Why? Because he’s a lunatic crook, drunk on his power, who will not resign. And, his flock of neutered party sheep will re-elect him. Pathetic. I became a Republican because Georgia Democrats were a bad lot. Turns out the Republicans are worse.
rebelyell
December 1st, 2009
6:21 am
What’s sad about this sorry episode is the reality to come. If he were to be removed from office or decide to retire, who’s next in line, and what baggage are they dragging in? We can all sit here and moan and whine, but until we stop expecting our leaders to be perfect, it will continue. There are probably bunches of people, including ones on this site, who are completely qualified and able to do a fine job of steering a city, county, state, or even national governing body. But, they will not step into the spotlight, because they have lived as normal imperfect people, with business failures, broken relationships, medical or emotional shortcomings, non-PC thoughts and beliefs and do not need the grief that comes from trying to be the idolized leader that campaigns and media seem to require.
For Susan
December 1st, 2009
6:26 am
My family met Susan when she was caring for my wife and our new baby. She’s a nurse at a local hospital and a class act. To those persons panning her as a publicity hound, your assumption overlooks the fact she has been absolutely discrete for more than a year about the divorce, his gross infidelity. Only this suicide attempt, which Glenn spun in a such way as to cast blame on Susan, did she speak. After all she has been through–including her silence for so long–it is not fair to cast her as a vicious person. I think she is just trying to get this guy out of her life. Who can blame her for that?
Richard M. (I'm not a crook) Nixon
December 1st, 2009
6:27 am
Drag in some new baggage and tell this guy to hid the road.
Jackie
December 1st, 2009
6:53 am
Just another supposed “Christian” with Christian values running around ‘chasing skirts’ all day long even though he is a married man. Typical of our politicians and I trust very few of them anymore. To me most politicians, including this guy, are nothing but liars, cheaters and self centered, self serving hypocrites who we should NOT trust. And if Richardson did threaten his now ex wife there should be consequences and he needs to be removed from his position as Speaker. When will Americans say ‘enough is enough’ regarding the corrupt and sneaky underhanded ways of our politicians??? No wonder America is going to Hell in a hand basket; look at who we have leading our country on a local, state and federal level- a bunch of crooks and liars.
tc
December 1st, 2009
6:55 am
if these ga repubs have one once of decency they will vanquish him and many of the repub leadership….they are arrogant and self serving, not really for the people of ga…..
Ocee
December 1st, 2009
7:03 am
Glenn needs to go. We need a compitient person as speaker of the house. He just looks like a scum bag.
Ocee
December 1st, 2009
7:03 am
Glenn needs to go. We need a compitient person as speaker of the house. He just looks like a scum bag.
catlady
December 1st, 2009
7:08 am
Ms. Richardson’s statements confirm my thinking. If he had really meant to commit suicide, he would be dead. It was an attention-seeking behavior and he knew folks would rally around his illness because to not do so makes them look mean to the mentally ill. He is a narcissist, pure and simple. It is all about him.
Folks, look at his voting record and see how hard-hearted he has been to the mentally ill, the poor, etc, and then judge his actions. He sure seems to think it is different since HE is the one suffering.
Time for him to get his life straightened out. Priorities, Mr. Speaker! Show you have some that include your children. Bow out and return to the real work-a-day world, if you can.
sally
December 1st, 2009
7:10 am
Hurrah for Mrs. Richardson. If she were looking for attention she would have talked long ago.
I’m mostly a Republican voter but I swear they are been beyond incompetent since they took over as majority party at the Georgia capital. From the Governor all the way down the line. Hopefully everyone of them will be tossed out by the voters and may we never hear from them again.
rj
December 1st, 2009
7:14 am
The story here is the support of the Atlanta Gas Light Bill he co sponsored AND the spineless representatives that will fall in line and support this idiot for Speaker. They should be asked now and appropriate opposition should line up.
Liberal Democrat
December 1st, 2009
7:17 am
Typical of a hypocritical, conservative Republican. Having an affair is breaking a commandment. I think THAT is an abomination!!! Get over your holier-than-thou GOP or you will never been taken seriously again.
Chris Murphy, Atlanta, GA
December 1st, 2009
7:28 am
I agree with rebelyell. The election process leaves those with the sharpest elbows, not the sharpest minds- and certainly not the most ‘moral.’ And I also agree with that other poster, that the GA Democrats looked bad until you hold them up next to the GA Republicans. But please, don’t take that as an endorsement of the Democrats- witness the nonsense they injected into the Atlanta mayor’s race. We the voters (and non-voters) are ultimately at fault.
Road Scholar
December 1st, 2009
7:39 am
For those above who chastized Mrs Richardson for “airing” the details of his affair and its effects on the children, who is really at fault? The Speaker should have considered this BEFORE he had the affair. Where is your indignation concerning that? She is merely pointing out his instability with proof. I just hope she told the children and answered their questions before she revealed any details.
SouthernDawg
December 1st, 2009
7:47 am
Talk about hating. Look at all the self proclaimed liberal and/or gays in this thread with their fangs flashing. Now that is truly hypocritical. Quit drinking the kookaid and get a clue. Richardson is just one man. Will the first perfect person/politician please stand up. His failure as a man is his own, not that of the conservative movement.
TruAmerican
December 1st, 2009
7:49 am
Democrats – Republicans what is the difference…really. Until voters wake up and understand that they all have one main objective which is re-election and holding power we are all doomed to higher taxes and bloated government which represents money and power not constituents. It is clear to me that the answer is independent candidates that truly represent the people.
Grant Parker
December 1st, 2009
8:02 am
“Media overlords?” Gee, what a cabal those lefty news executives represent.
Churchill's MOM
December 1st, 2009
8:02 am
I am a life long Republican and I can tell you Glen Richardson does NOT represent my husband or my values. The Republicans in South Carolina are impeaching their Governor for doing less than Richardson. As a native Georgian I hate to see South Carolina get ahead of Georgia.
Bronco
December 1st, 2009
8:03 am
YAWNNNN!
blacksheep
December 1st, 2009
8:03 am
I wish everyone would quit calling this a “suicide” attempt. I mean, the guy called his mother and left his doors unlocked so emergency personnel could easily get to him. Don’t know if it was attention or sympathy or whatever he was seeking but it clearly wasn’t to die. Pretty candyass if you ask me.
Green green
December 1st, 2009
8:07 am
NB House ethics committee hasn’t met in, what, three years? Aaron, you got good connexions, ask Wilkerson or what’s his name about it.
Bone
December 1st, 2009
8:08 am
The boy got caught and now everyone wants to hide the truth. Richardson, Woods…it doesn’t matter. People need to be accountable for their actions and admit to their mistakes.
Richardson, take it like a man and own up to this. Stop hiding behind the House Speaker stand and your kids. Stop blaming everyone except yourself!!!!
dagnabit
December 1st, 2009
8:08 am
Christian values run amok. Thy name is Glenn.
RJ
December 1st, 2009
8:08 am
The suicide attempt was totally staged to gain sympathy from friends, family and the media. That is totally sick. Glenn needs to be removed immediately.
Big Canoe
December 1st, 2009
8:10 am
Richardson’s antics could possibly give politicians of all ilks a bad name. Damn shame.
Badnews!
December 1st, 2009
8:13 am
How cares about Glenn Richardson chasing skirts….most public officials with power and influence, do. Also, who cares about this divorce…it is neither the first nor the last. Mrs. Richardson knew from day one when she signed her marriage papers that Glenn Richardson is the same hypocrite, narcissist and arrogant “little man” that we all know today. But what concerns me the most is these back door, side door and pimp deals, whether at the State Capitol or City Hall, is at taxpayers expense and is truly hurting and dividing our great state of Georgia. We must hold these folks accountable and get rid of them if need be!
The Real Politico
December 1st, 2009
8:26 am
Anyone who believes that the Ethics Commitee should not investigate whether the Speaker had an affair with a lobbyist from a company that does business with the state is either unethical themselves or has the same morals. Both rather odious options.
scott
December 1st, 2009
8:32 am
another republican hypocrite that tricks ignorant,uniformed,fox news viewing, white poor and middle class into voting for them voting away thier interest they use poor and uninformed,ignorant whites like a carpenter uses a hammer..when will this group of people learn that republicans are nothing but hypocrites!!!
Aaron Gould Sheinin
December 1st, 2009
8:36 am
Working on it, Green. Ethics DID meet in the past few months to deal with lawmakers who hadn’t paid taxes, that much I do know.
UGA72
December 1st, 2009
8:40 am
Pathetically, this is politics as usual in Georgia and elsewhere. Yeah, Glenn is a whacko and can’t stand that his ex now has a new life and is enjoying herself. This guy isn’t capable of picking up garbage, much less handling the job as House Speaker. Republicans need to kick him to the curb and so do the voters of Paulding County.
I know why they don’t, but I wish we could get some people who really want to serve to run for public office. Another great example for term limits!
Susan, call me!
December 1st, 2009
8:42 am
Holy hell, Susan Richardson is beautiful! She needs to get away from this psycho. It speaks volumes about where Republicans’ morals and values are that they are supporting someone who cheats on his wife, compromises his political morals (if he has any), then attempts to take his own life. The cops who found him should have turned around and walked out.
Marc G
December 1st, 2009
8:44 am
If Richardson had not been gay his family life wouldn’t have disintegrated, his wife wouldn’t have been put through such turmoil, his kids wouldn’t have to watch this pathetic drama unfold and his constituents could have been spared all of this. The depression his ‘alternative’ lifestyle is certainly the cause of. If only he had been a normal God-fearing heterosexual family man.
MJ
December 1st, 2009
8:49 am
Women should be elected to run governments…less corruption.
MeaneyMouse
December 1st, 2009
8:49 am
He’s your typical holy roller rePUBICAN
Richardson's PR Machine
December 1st, 2009
8:51 am
This was a “publicity attempt” not a suicide attempt by Richardson. He wanted to get some sympathy from the voters for another run at political office, to keep all these millions in contracts at hand that he’s got as speaker. He’s a very rich man, thanks to GA taxpayers and wants to keep it that way. So re-elect him and keep him in the money. Also, his ex-wife wants a big cut of that cash to keep up her lifestyle, so pay up!!!!
ihorizon
December 1st, 2009
9:06 am
Reminds me of the song “Everybody wants to rule the world.”
TOBE
December 1st, 2009
9:12 am
Susan needs to keep a seven iron handy, a la Tiger’s wife.
DJ
December 1st, 2009
9:13 am
GLENN RICHARDSON: RESIGN NOW
what a hypocrite. another typical do-nothing republican who’s sole aim is to suck up to whatever special interest wants to curry favor with him. DO THE PEOPLE’S WORK, GLENN, NOT THE CORPORATIONS’ WORK.
FAMILY VALUES MY ASS.
Can we impeach the SOB? Can you think of anyone in Georgia who deserves it more?
THROW – HIM – OUT. NOW.
(i love reading all the republican apologists rationalizing this as a “personal matter”. TELL IT TO YOUR PASTOR. get the pig out of public office now.)
Shar
December 1st, 2009
9:20 am
Glenn Richardson wrote and forced through legislation requiring extended ‘cooling off’ periods for Georgians seeking divorce – and even longer when there are children of the marriage – and then got a judge who was a personal friend to grant him his divorce in one afternoon, and to seal the records to boot. It makes sense that Susan had proof of the affair and was prepared to use it to gain her freedom andn that of her children from such a controlling, arrogant man. It’s a classic spousal abuse scenario, and I applaud her for finding a way to get out and keeping silent to protect her kids. All bets are off, though, when he has them in his custody and threatens them and her both physically and with the power of the state. In this case, the best way to protect herself is to talk, and so talk she did.
Her silence stuck Georgia with another year of having this lowlife in a position of power, but it’s hard to argue with her putting her children first. She had no reason for speaking now except to neutralize the threat he poses, and I commend her for overcoming the shame common among victims of spousal abuse and saying what needed to be said. I hope the new boyfriend is better than the old one!
BHO
December 1st, 2009
9:23 am
No to Gay Marriage. It is Adam and Eve people….NOT Adam and Steve!!!
Liberal Democrat
December 1st, 2009
9:23 am
SouthernDawg……most overused phrase………….Drinking the Koolaid. Democrats never force family values down anyone’s throat. I think you need to change the channel away from Fox for a few days.
t'bolt
December 1st, 2009
9:27 am
Ted is correct. Put another way, trashy rednecks will be trashy rednecks.
Ted Striker
December 1st, 2009
2:51 am
It’s a shame Susan Richardson appears to place a greater premium on airing dirty laundry than she does about the effect it might have on her own children.
Never had an opinion about her till now but that interview displays a woman with an unfortunate and unflattering lack of personal dignity and refinement. It’s highly unattractive.
Lulabelle Robertson
December 1st, 2009
9:28 am
I don’t think Mrs. Richardson is trying to get attention. I think she is using the only tool she has to stop her ex-husband from contiuing to use powerful political intimidation tactics. Of course, she’s mad as hell, and I don’t blame her. I applaud her for her courage!
LR
December 1st, 2009
9:30 am
Why would she have left her kids with him to go running off with her boyfriend if she really thought he was so unstable? Seems like she’s either BS’ing about his actions or a terrible mother
And where are the emails and text messages? If this is a pattern of behavior surely similiar ones would have come out in the divorce proceedings and anyone with half a brain would have the sense to keep any further evidence of harassment post-divorce.
Merlot Winters
December 1st, 2009
9:37 am
Finally, the hypocrisy of the Republicans AND Democrats in this State regarding sexual morays is laid bare. It’s one thing to destroy your own marriage with your infidelities, made worse by mixing them with the important lawmaking business of the state. It is quite another thing, however, when you make laws like the 2004 Marriage Amendment that tell other people how to run their personal lives and relationships. Throw all the bums out and replace them with people of compassion and integrity!
Mr. Grumpy
December 1st, 2009
9:41 am
Democrats: Take heart. If the Republican caucus of the House and its majority control by its members fails to “un-elect” Richardson as the Speaker, Democratic candidates for the House seats in 2010 will have field day campaigning against incumbent Republican Hiouse members and re-gain control. THAT’S the price Republicans will pay for giving control of the House to a hypocrite and megalomaniac. Nothing can be done now to keep the lid on Richardson’s sorry character. The bell can’t be unrung. And for those of you idiots out there who will continue to blindly support a narcissist like Glenn Richardson, you are all responsible for the bad that has already happened and will continue to happen to Georgia. Don’t blame Susan Richardson for putting the Richardson dirty laundry out there for her children to see. Speaker Richardson altready did that when he forgot his “family values” and started poking a lobbyist (and others). And then he had the nerve to lie to all of us by climing he’d find the ones who put these lies about his affair out there. Glenn missed his calling. He should have been a hit man for the Mob.
Nathan, Atlanta, ga
December 1st, 2009
9:42 am
This guy is a Republican, his collegues aren’t going to do anything to him. Republicans believe that sex of any kind id wrong unles they do it. Republicans are always trying to get in other peoples bedrooms, literally and figuretively. These conservatives hypocrits backed by their christian right conservatives are the biggest sexual predators in the country.
Ken
December 1st, 2009
9:48 am
Typical, holier than thou republican!
Tony Smash
December 1st, 2009
9:48 am
Wow Aaron! Got you about a good 8 hr nap and it’s still going. This better than a filibuster … Blogs are the BEST!
Mr. Grumpy
December 1st, 2009
9:50 am
Hey, LR. Who says she hasn’t kept copies of the 49 text messages and voicemails he sent when she started dating another man? What is she supposed to do with her life? Stay at home and not try to start over with someone who may be nicer to her than her ex-husband was? As for leaving her children with him “to go running off with her boyfriend,” have you ever heard of “joint custody”? No one’s said he’s unstable. That’s his act. He’s simply a narcissist who thinks the world revolves around him.
Bob from Dahlonega
December 1st, 2009
10:00 am
She only wants attrention, she married a powerful man and with power comes perks, like hot lobbyists. Most guys on here are lying knowing they have porked a secretary or coworker.. its only cheating if you get caught.
I bet susan enjoyed those lavish politicalo dinners and the fame that came along with it. He probably was about to trade her in for a new model and she got upset.
Glen still has my vote as a true southern cnservative gentleman
Rob Vinson
December 1st, 2009
10:03 am
I think the guy is a pansy and that he is starved for attention. What he did is pretty selfish, but commiting suicide is the ultimate in selfishnes…., but he didn’t quite get there. Only cowards commit suicide. Obviously he is manipulative and controlling and i am glad his wife is airing out the “dirty laundry” the way she is. He had that judge / law partner cover up facts about his divorce when by law he shouldn’t have. He isn’t above the law. He won’t step down from being the speaker because he likes the power and the attention, but hopefully someone will make him step down. He is an embarrassment to the state and it would be nice to see him out of there.
Sick of the "holier than thou" hypocrites
December 1st, 2009
10:03 am
Richardson has been the leader of these “holier than thou” hypocrites in the Georgia State Congress. It is time for fakes like Richardson to be kicked out of our state government. Richardson cannot be trusted!
A Georgia Republican
December 1st, 2009
10:06 am
Richardson is bad for our party and he is bad for our state. I am sick that he represents both. And most of all I am ashamed that he represents both! I want him gone!
Steve T.
December 1st, 2009
10:07 am
Glenn, Karma has a cruel way of sneaking up and biting you in the butt.
Bone
December 1st, 2009
10:10 am
Bob,
Glad we don’t live up your way. You would probably have thrown stones at Susan for what she said and taken pictures. You treat all your woman folk like that???
Jerry Grillo
December 1st, 2009
10:11 am
There’s a perfectly good reason why a snake like Richardson slithered into power — “we, the people” put him there. If you lame-brains who are blaming the reporter (Aaron) for writing an unbiased, right-down-the-middle NEWS story would have actually gotten out of your mothers’ basements and gotten involved and voted, perhaps we never would have heard of Snake Richardson. Just saying.
Georgia voter
December 1st, 2009
10:11 am
I am a conservative Georgia voter and Republicans better listen up. We are tired of control freaks like Richardson who say one thing and live their life in such a sinful manner. Clean house, get rid of scummy riff raff like Richardson!!!!! Any politician that wants to retain him is obviously one of his corrupt buddies! The voters are getting sick and tired of this. If you guys can’t stay faithful to your wives you have no business selling yourselves as Christian and family values! Either be the REAL THING or leave!
Zeb
December 1st, 2009
10:11 am
Richardson and his cronies are why Georgia has become a dysfunctional banana republic. They sought power to line their pockets and strut their stuff. If we don’t get folks in office that care about the public interest Georgia will continue it’s 7 year decline. I’m for David Poythress, DuBose Porter or Jeff Chapman as the next guv. I’m praying that these guys have a modicum of ethics.
Aaron Gould Sheinin
December 1st, 2009
10:12 am
Why thanks, Jerry!
Aaron Gould Sheinin
December 1st, 2009
10:13 am
Tony — eight hours? I wish. I have two young sons who were up at 6! Still, this is a heck of a story.