NewsChannel 5 is reporting that State Rep. Mark Lovell (R-Shelby County) has resigned, just weeks into his first session as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives:
Rep. Mark Lovell, a fair and carnival operator from suburban Shelby County submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday. Lovell says in the letter that the elected position ended up being more demanding than he expected and that he needs more time to devote to his business interests and family.
Lovell defeated longtime incumbent Curry Todd in the Republican primary in August. Todd had been arrested in the days before the vote on charges of stealing Lovell’s yard signs. Todd, who was bailed out on the eve of the election by Lovell, is still awaiting trial.
Republican Rep. Leigh Wilburn of Somerville was the last lawmaker to resign in 2015.
Lovell was elected in November after easily defeating Todd in a contentious primary.
His service in this session in The General Assembly, which began its current session the second week of January, may be the shortest in the history of the state.
The reason for his departure is the subject of much speculation. Democrats have already called for an investigation.
The Tennessee Star will provide details of this breaking story as they develop.
