DUI arrest: Tenn. rep. resigns committee post

[October 18, 2011]  FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) -- The state lawmaker who led Tennessee to loosen laws that kept handguns out of bars gave up his chairmanship of an influential state House committee, fallout from his arrest last week on charges of driving and carrying a gun while drunk.

Republican Rep. Curry Todd said in a statement Monday that he won't chair the House State and Local Government Committee while his case is pending. His committee handled most alcohol bills and many other proposals affecting Tennessee cities and counties.

Authorities say Todd, a former Memphis police officer, was arrested in Nashville on Oct. 11 after failing a roadside sobriety test. A loaded .38-caliber gun was in his car.

Todd, who has a handgun permit, was charged with possession of a gun while under the influence and drunken driving.

[Associated Press; By ERIK SCHELZIG]

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