U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss is resisting a subpoena in a lawsuit against the Savannah-area sugar refinery where 14 people lost their lives in a February explosion. Families of dead and injured workers are suing the management arm of Imperial Sugar for losses stemming from the blast. In hopes of bolstering their case, their attorney wants Senator Chambliss to release information that company officials gave him.
The Senator says, because of his political office, he doesn't have to testify. Mark Tate represents the families. Tate says, "What we have going on here, it begs the question, 'What does Saxby have to hide?'"
A Chambliss' spokeswoman isn't talking about the issue, but Chambliss friend, Augusta attorney David Hudson, is. Hudson says, the Senator has no choice. Hudson says, "He might even like to testify just to clear the air, but under the rules of the Senate, he should not do so." Hudson says, the Constitution also protects Chambliss.
Ultimately, a judge will decide if the Senator will have to appear in a case with lots of potential for political fallout. Chambliss is currently fighting for re-election of his Senate seat against Democratic challenger Jim Martin.
