DesJarlais Divorce Testimony Released
Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., may have made it through the general election despite October revelations that he pressured a former patient he was having an affair with to get an abortion. But -- especially in light of new information out today -- the pro-life doctor may not be so lucky next time.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press obtained testimony from DesJarlais's 2001 divorce proceedings, which among other things shows he "supported his ex-wife's decision to get two abortions before their marriage." Moreover:
Obtained by the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the couple’s 2001 trial transcript also confirms DesJarlais had sexual relationships with at least two patients, three coworkers and a drug representative while he was chief of staff at Grandview Medical Center in Jasper, Tenn. During one affair with a female patient, DesJarlais prescribed her drugs, gave her an $875 watch and bought her a plane ticket to Las Vegas, records show.
And this has to hurt if you're state Sen. Eric Stewart, DesJarlais's 2012 Democratic opponent:
The Tennessee Democratic Party had attempted to obtain the transcript before the Nov. 6 election, but the court delayed the process because the document was not typed up in its complete form.
DesJarlais seems likely to face a primary challenge this time around in the heavily Republican district. Republican state Sen. Jim Tracy is reportedly weighing a bid. State Senate GOP Caucus chair Bill Ketron had been expected to challenge DesJarlais in the 2012 primary, but did not ultimately do so.
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