Meredith’s new lawyer drops racism argument
• Beleaguered Sen. Don Meredith’s new lawyer said he hoped to temper the intense emotions unleashed by an ethics report on his client’s affair with a teenager, adding the race card is now off the table.
Bill Trudell said he had agreed to try to help the black senator, who is fending off widespread calls for his resignation in light of the damning account of his conduct with the young woman.
“I definitely am not going to try to assist Sen. Meredith or the Senate on the basis there’s any racial prejudice involved in the alleged conduct or the decisions,” Trudell said. “Some people may feel that. Some people may react, but I don’t think that assists.”
Earlier this month, Senate ethics officer Lyse Ricard concluded the married Pentecostal pastor had improperly used his position to lure a “vulnerable” 16-year-old teen into a relationship that became sexual. Meredith told The Canadian Press last week that “Ms. M” was not underage, he had done nothing criminal, and his mistakes were human.
Meredith’s former lawyer Selwyn Pieters said last week his client was being unfairly portrayed as a “sexual predator” because he’s an imposing black man. Trudell said he didn’t think that approach would be helpful.
“I see a huge mistake by an otherwise good man,” Trudell said of Meredith’s misconduct.
The prominent criminal lawyer said he agreed on Monday to help Meredith, 52, after meeting him for the first time on the weekend.
“I’m hoping to turn the temperature down here,” Trudell said.
The senator has spoken publicly only once since the report from the Senate’s ethics officer came out earlier this month — repeatedly apologizing for his “moral failing” and begging forgiveness. He also told The Canadian Press that “absolutely, racism has played a role” in the furor that could cost him his job of six years.
“I have a great deal of respect for the Senate — I’ve appeared there many times — and I’m expecting them to give me a bit of time to assist in responding,” Trudell said. “I don’t think snap decisions are good for anybody.”
On Wednesday, the Senate’s ethics committee met privately to discuss potential sanctions that range from a reprimand to expulsion.
Conservative Sen. Raynell Andreychuk confirmed the committee had been in touch with Meredith’s counsel, saying the panel had an obligation to give the senator a “reasonable opportunity” to speak. However, the committee said Meredith has had an opportunity to appear in person or testify remotely.