NASHVILLE - Tennessee Republican Rep. Robin Smith of Hixson said Tuesday she has no explanations for Friday's raid by FBI agents on her home and legislative offices but is fully cooperating with the investigation that involves two other lawmakers and legislative aides.
"I'm fully cooperating, there is an investigation," said Smith, a business and political consultant. "You know the statement is what it is. I'm not the target of the investigation. But I certainly don't want to do anything to jeopardize that."
She said she has not yet spoken with federal investigators.
Asked by the Times Free Press whether she has been told she is a subject of the investigation, Smith said, "Right now, I don't know. I'm working with my attorney. And we're cooperating."
Federal agents last week searched the home and legislative office of Smith, whose spoke with the Times Free Press at the legislature's Cordell Hull State Office Building ahead of Tuesday's opening of the 112th General Assembly.
Also searched were the homes and offices of former House Speaker Glen Casada, R-Franklin, who remains a member of the legislature, and newly elected Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, the Republican Senate speaker, told the Times Free Press last week if any of them are charged, they should resign. In the 1980s, McNally assisted the FBI in its probe of legislative efforts to pass a horse racing bill as well as the state-regulated charitable bingo industry that had been effectively taken over by professional gamblers with some state and local officials involved as well.
Asked if she would resign if indicted, Smith said, "Well, right now I'm not going to answer any hypothetical" and said it "is a true honor to serve the people of Tennessee."
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow him on Twitter @AndySher1.