Episode 139: The Rona | David Byrd and Paul Powell

The Muck Podcast

00:00 / 48:08

Hillary and Tina cover Tennessee House Rep. David Byrd and Illinois Secretary of State Paul Powell.

Hillary’s Story
Representative David Byrd made a name for himself in local Tennessee politics and eventually gained a seat in the State House. BUT when allegations of abuse surface, his legacy is tarnished.

Tina’s Story
Prominent in Illinois politics since the 30s, Paul Powell eventually became Illinois secretary of state in 1964. BUT after his death in 1970, Powell’s dark secrets were revealed.

Sources
Hillary's Story
The Daily Beast
This Tennessee Republican Nearly Died From COVID. Now He’s Fighting Masks.–by Michael Daly

The Daily Herald
3 former players accuse Rep. David Byrd of sexual misconduct while they were teens–by ALANNA AUTLER

Mother Jones
A Tennessee Republican Accused of Sexual Misconduct With Underage Girls Just Said He Isn’t Running Again–Becca Andrews

Nashville Scene
David Byrd Will Run for Re-Election After All–by Stephen Elliot

Tennessee Lookout
Byrd takes oath of office after long COVID battle, brush with death–BY SAM STOCKARD

The Tennessean
After 8-month COVID-19 battle, GOP Rep. David Byrd urges vaccines, says they 'should not divide us'–by Natalie Allison
Resolution filed again to expel Rep. David Byrd from legislature over sexual assault allegations–by Natalie Allison
What to know about embattled Tennessee lawmaker David Byrd and the allegations against him–By Jon Garcia

Wikipedia
David Byrd (politician)

Photos
Tennessee House Rep. David Byrd–by Mark Humphrey/AP via Mother Jones
Byrd on House Floor after COVID-19 Recovery–by John Partipilo via Tennessee Lookout

Tina's Story
Chicago Tribune
From hero to bum in a flash: How an Illinois politician’s shoebox of money exposed the rot of corruption–by Ron Grossman
The ‘Shoebox Scandal,’ 50 years later: That time when the Illinois secretary of state died with $750,000 in cash in a hotel suite–By John O'Connor

Illinois State Library
Paul Powell

The New York Times
Mystery in Illinois: Millionaire Aide–by John Kifner

SangamonLink
Paul Powell shoebox scandal