Mississippi senator's arrest could create leadership fight

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A leadership showdown is developing in the Mississippi Senate after its second-ranking official was arrested this week for the third time on suspicion of drunken driving.

Republican Terry Burton, the Senate president pro tempore, issued a statement Friday apologizing for causing "embarrassment" to friends, family and colleagues, including Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves. Burton said he would consider professional counseling.

But Reeves is saying Burton should resign as pro tem.

"The lieutenant governor has made it clear to Sen. Burton that he believes he should relinquish his leadership post," Reeves' spokeswoman Laura Hipp said.

The lieutenant governor cannot remove the pro tem, who is elected by the 52 state senators. If Burton does not step aside, legislative rules are not clear on a procedure senators might use to remove him once the legislative session begins in January.

Read more: https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/crime/article/Mississippi-lawmaker-apologizes-after-his-latest-13485034.php


This booking photo provided by the Oktibbeha County Jail shows Republican State Senate President Pro Tem Terry Burton, who was arrested by the Mississippi Highway Patrol on suspicion of driving drunk, Wednesday night, Dec. 19, 2018, near Starkville, Miss. Burton was charged with DUI second offense and failure to maintain proper lane. (Oktibbeha Sheriff's Department via AP)