This booking photo released by the Metropolitan Nashville Police shows state Rep. Curry Todd, R-Collierville, who was arrested late Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, on charges of drunken driving and possession of a gun while under the influence. Todd was a main sponsor of a Tennessee law to allow people with handgun carry permits to bring their guns into bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. (AP Photo/Metropolitan Nashville Police)FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- Gov. Bill Haslam said Monday that Rep. Curry Todd has acknowledged and apologized for a "bad mistake" in being arrested on drunken driving and gun charges last week.
Haslam told reporters after a speech in Franklin that he had spoken with Todd at a charity golf tournament hosted by Republican House Speaker Beth Harwell and Democratic Rep. Gary Odom earlier in the day.
"I just asked him how he was doing ... He said, 'I realize I made a bad mistake and I'm sorry,'" Haslam said.
Todd, a Collierville Republican, was arrested in Nashville the night of Oct. 11 after failing a roadside sobriety test and refusing to take a breath test. A loaded .38-caliber gun was found in a holster stuffed between the driver's seat and center console.
"It was a big mistake from Rep. Todd that could have had dangerous consequences, and I think he's aware of that as well," Haslam said.
"Drinking and driving is wrong under any circumstances," he said. "Now obviously having a weapon in the car makes it worse."
Todd, a retired Memphis police officer who holds a state handgun carry permit, was charged with possession of a gun while under the influence and drunken driving.