Dave Boucher, Joel Ebert, and Jill Cowan

The Tennessean

House Speaker Beth Harwell has asked the Tennessee attorney general's office to open an "independent investigation" into embattled Rep. Jeremy Durham's "ongoing situation."

The action came on the heels of Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey telling reporters Thursday that Durham had an affair with a representative and forced that representative to resign.

About an hour and a half later, in an emailed statement, an assistant for Durham said the lawmaker denies having any physical relationship with former representatives.

In Harwell's call for the investigation, the Nashville Republican said she asked Attorney General Herbert Slatery's office to issue a report with its findings.

"If and when an expulsion resolution comes before the House of Representatives, the report could be part of that process," she said.

A Harwell spokeswoman said Slatery has agreed to perform the investigation, which was an option Harwell was previously considering.

"As per our statement yesterday, about having attorneys look at the proper procedures for expelling a member, this came up as an option," said Kara Owen, the speaker's spokeswoman.

Harwell's request was confirmed by a spokesman for Slatery.

“At the request of Speaker Harwell, our office is conducting an investigation surrounding Representative Durham,” said Harlow Sumerford.

Ramsey made the comment when asked about whether there was enough information to expel Durham from the House.

“Obviously we don’t want the press lynching anybody, but nobody forced, the press didn’t force somebody to send text messages after midnight asking for pictures,” Ramsey said.

Speaker Harwell: Expel Durham from legislature

“The (press) didn’t force somebody to have an affair with another state rep. and force them to resign.”

Ramsey didn’t specifically name the representative he believes was forced to resign. When asked whether he could confirm the affair, Ramsey said no.

“I haven’t heard any more than you all have. But you don’t have to be real smart to read between the lines,” Ramsey said.

Durham's assistant was sent a copy of Ramsey's statement and asked if Durham had any comment.

"As of January 27, 2016, Representative Durham has taken a couple of weeks of leave from the legislature, which has been approved by Speaker Harwell. Nevertheless, he categorically denies having any physical relationship with former representatives (Mike) Harrison or (Leigh) Wilburn," Durham assistant Zach Dean said in the statement.

Asked about Ramsey's comments, House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada said he didn't know whom Ramsey was talking about.

“This is an example of just one more rumor I have heard at the Capitol. I specifically do not know," Casada said in an emailed statement.

Two state representatives resigned from the Tennessee General Assembly in December: Rep. Mike Harrison and Rep. Leigh Wilburn. Harrison left to take over as executive director of the county mayors association.

Wilburn resigned “due to unforeseen circumstances involving my immediate and my extended family, and my business,” according to the resignation letter she gave to Harwell in December. A number for Wilburn was disconnected. The Tennessean's attempts to reach Wilburn are ongoing. The Associated Press reported Wilburn declined comment through a relative.

Rep. Leigh Wilburn resigns from Tennessee General Assembly

Reached Thursday, Harrison said he did not have an affair with Durham.

“Are you serious?” he asked a reporter, chuckling. “Oh Lord, have mercy. No, I didn’t have an affair with Jeremy Durham.”

Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Ryan Haynes resigned his seat in the legislature in May to take over the top spot with the state GOP. Tennessee GOP Executive Director Brent Leatherwood said Haynes' decision to leave the legislature "unequivocally had nothing to do with Jeremy Durham" and Haynes again called on Durham to resign from the statehouse.

GOP leaders knew Durham allegations for months

In December, The Tennessean asked Harwell if leadership had discussed whether the resignation of Wilburn had anything to do with Durham’s behavior.



“Leadership has not discussed that," Harwell said at the time.



A different reporter asked if she knew any additional information about Wilburn's resignation.



“Representative Wilburn made a personal decision to put her family first, and I support her in that decision. I would have liked to have seen her complete her term, but she felt it was important that she take this step now, and I support her. She was a smart, capable member, and young, and has a bright future," Harwell said.

When asked Thursday about the reason Wilburn gave for her resignation, Gov. Bill Haslam said, "I was just told that for personal reasons she was resigning from the legislature, and that’s all I know.” He reiterated he believes Durham should resign.

Tennessean investigation finds inappropriate text messages

A Tennessean investigation found three women who said Durham sent them inappropriate text messages. Two women provided texts to The Tennessean they received from Durham’s phone in which he asks them for pictures. Both text messages were sent after midnight.

Reach Dave Boucher at 615-259-8892 and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1. Reach Jill Cowan 615-664-2150 and on Twitter @jillcowan. Reach Joel Ebert at 615-259-8379 and on Twitter @joelebert29.