McDaniel admits to inappropriate relationship
This article was originally published December 18, 2012 at 10:48 a.m. Updated December 18, 2012 at 12:14 p.m.
PHOTO BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
FILE - In this March 4, 2010, file photo Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, right, and his wife, Bobbi, walk through the state Capitol in Little Rock after he filed for re-election.
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LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Attorney General and 2014 gubernatorial candidate Dustin McDaniel has admitted he had an inappropriate relationship with an attorney last year.
McDaniel said in a statement that he had "limited interaction" that was "inappropriate" with attorney Andrea Davis after meeting her during the 2010 campaign for attorney general. A spokesman for his campaign said the revelation does not affect McDaniel's decision to run for the Democratic nomination for governor.
"My wife Bobbi and I love each other very much," McDaniel said. "I have been candid with her about this matter, and with much prayer, we have moved on with our life together. I hope the people of Arkansas will also accept my apology and know how honored I am to work for them every day.”
The allegation came up originally in a custody suit in Garland County in which Davis' ex-husband accused her of cheating on him with McDaniel, Talk Business reported. The publication was the first to report news of McDaniel acknowledging the inappropriate relationship.
In a document filed earlier this month in Garland County Circuit Court in Davis' custody case with ex-husband Dr. Fred Day, Davis is asked to admit she had sexual relations with McDaniel in 2011 or 2012.
"Objection," her response reads. "The question asks for information irrelevant to the issues before the court and is asked solely to harass and annoy."
No details on the relationship were included in McDaniel's brief statement.
“I had limited interaction with her in 2011, some of which I regret to say was inappropriate," McDaniel said in the statement. "I have no knowledge of the other allegations contained in this pleading."
Tricia Wallace, a spokesman for McDaniel, said McDaniel has not been asked to testify in the custody case and is not expected to do so. She said no further specifics on the relationship would be released.
"We're not going to get into that level of detail," she said.
Wallace said the affair does not alter McDaniel's announced political plans.
"No, it doesn't," she said. "He is running for governor."
A message left with Davis' Hot Springs' office was not immediately returned late Tuesday morning.
McDaniel was the first candidate to formally announce he is running for governor.
Comments on: McDaniel admits to inappropriate relationship
BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... December 18, 2012 at 11:03 a.m.
Should make him a shoo in to win any political race
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SUPERDUTY says... December 18, 2012 at 11:34 a.m.
If he "loved her very much", why did this happen? I guess he was trying to get in full politician mode!!!!!!!!
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T6 says... December 18, 2012 at 11:36 a.m.
A resume enhancer for Democrats!!!!
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StrayGoose says... December 18, 2012 at 11:53 a.m.
Lets see...both Dusty and Billy Bob are Arkansas politicians who have cheated on their wives...they're both butt-boys for Obummer...hmmm...coincidence or the DemocRAT vision for America???
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MenLR2 says... December 18, 2012 at 11:55 a.m.
So Arkansas ..... LOL Sounds like he may be trying to say he did not inhale?
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Tag68 says... December 18, 2012 at 11:59 a.m.
What can I say - they are horny toads in Arkansas - must be in the water!
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Independent says... December 18, 2012 at noon
People make mistakes, and one's character is truly displayed by how he rights his wrongs.
Mr. McDaniel has done a lot of good for our state and I hope he will be defined not by this mistake but by how he heals the wounds it has caused.
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DontDrinkDatKoolAid says... December 18, 2012 at 12:19 p.m.
I feel your pain comes to mind.
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TheBatt says... December 18, 2012 at 12:22 p.m.
"A spokesman for his campaign said the revelation does not affect McDaniel's decision to run for the Democratic nomination for governor."
Of course it has no affect on his choice to run... Infidelity seems to be almost an expectation of Democrats any more.
Yet another example of the "Character" question... or the lack thereof.
If one loves their spouse - the infidelity (or "inappropriate relationships) don't happen. Period.
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SRBROTHERINLAW says... December 18, 2012 at 12:24 p.m.
Everyone knows you have to have had an affair to gain political office in the U.S. not just in Arkansas. He was just getting ready to run for office and needed an item for his resume'. It is such a shame we have no honorable men or women to lead our country.
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ELKHUNTER says... December 18, 2012 at 12:30 p.m.
At least it was with a woman (Michael Huffington), and only once (Rush Limbaugh).
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Why72 says... December 18, 2012 at 12:38 p.m.
So Republicans don't cheat? Does it matter anyway, I'm sure his wife's feelings are hurt regardless of his party! I guess some people has nothing better to say.
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RiverRunner says... December 18, 2012 at 1:02 p.m.
Isn't it always amazing how readily people like the less-than-honorable Dustin McDaniel, are able to admit to "mistakes" once they have been publicly outed? I suspected after seeing this "man" ditch his wife immediately following his win in the race for his first term as Attorney General, that this fellow's moral character may have been a bit lacking... After this latest ethical failure on his part it is becoming increasingly obvious that this fellow has no interests other than his own personal, selfish ambitions.
As far as the governors race goes... anyone but Dustin!
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GiveUsLiberty says... December 18, 2012 at 1:08 p.m.
"Wallace said the affair does not alter McDaniel's announced political plans.
"No, it doesn't," she said. "He is running for governor.""
Just what we need! Another so called "leader" with no moral fiber.
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olegreenback says... December 18, 2012 at 1:17 p.m.
Do us a favor, Dustin, resign now and save us the trouble of having to dump you next election! Your ego is is in your way, if you think you are indispensible.
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inquire says... December 18, 2012 at 1:18 p.m.
T6, is it really necessary for someone to list all the prominent Republicans who have also been involved in sexual misconduct? If so, we will be glad to oblige.
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Populist says... December 18, 2012 at 1:29 p.m.
Both political parties in Arkansas are just in a shambles. The Republicans want to sell Arkansas to the Kochs, and the Democrats have their brains in their pants. Lord help the state of Arkansas.
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T6 says... December 18, 2012 at 1:36 p.m.
Inquire... You are free, white(I assume) and 21(I assume) have at it. Infidelity has no preference. If Dustin hadn't been named in the divorce by the husband of the woman we wouldn't know about the affair. Republicans resign. Democrats not until they are forced to.
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SandersCT says... December 18, 2012 at 1:41 p.m.
Here is an interesting story from February 2012. I wonder who Andrea Davis first call went too. I'm sure it was lover boy McDaniel.
Deputies say they found one person dead at 251 Ledgerwood Road around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. 34-year-old Maxwell Anderson was found lying in the driveway when police arrived at the home on Lake Hamilton. GSCO went to the home after receiving a call in reference to a shooting. A man and woman who were at the home were held and interviewed by authorities. They have been identified as 34-year-old Andrea Davis, a Hot Springs attorney, and her brother, 29-year-old Matthew Davis. It is unknown what the relationship is between these two and the victim.Both have been released and no charges have been filed at this time.
We are following this investigation and will update the story as soon as new information is available.
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HOTDEMN says... December 18, 2012 at 1:44 p.m.
They "Prayed" over it and now it's all better. Well thank goodness for religious sanction, for a second there I thought he might take some personal responsibility. Good thing for his soul (and political career) that he was caught cheating with a woman :-) At least I'm glad that only Democrats cheat.
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LevitiCuss says... December 18, 2012 at 1:45 p.m.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Republicans save their cheating for airport restrooms.
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rainbowharold55 says... December 18, 2012 at 2:06 p.m.
This is why that constitutional amendment to "protect traditional marriage" is needed. Marriage is between one man, one woman, and his side affair.
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inquire says... December 18, 2012 at 2:08 p.m.
T6, if you realize infidelity has no preference, why did you say what you did? Just to be hateful? When I Googled for Republicans guilty of sexual misconduct, I was astounded at the extreme length of the list. It is likely just as long for Democrats.
Just a sampling of Republicans most Arkansans would know.
Gingrich, both Tim and Jeremy Hutchinson, Randall Terry (not a politician, but a political person who tries to ride herd on the morals of others), Arnold Schwarzenegger, Helen Chenowith, none of whom resigned.
Herman Cain withdrew from the presidential race.
Strom Thurmond, who was both a Democrat and a Republican, carried his secret to the grave before it was revealed.
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lazybar says... December 18, 2012 at 2:24 p.m.
obozo is screwing all of us does that count as a affair?
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T6 says... December 18, 2012 at 2:33 p.m.
Inquire... And did you also google the list of DemocRats? I'd be surprised if you did.
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StrayGoose says... December 18, 2012 at 2:41 p.m.
It all comes down to "Character", as one other has already stated. Obviously, Dusty doesn't have any, if he did he would withdraw from public life. Apparently, his ego is much larger than even his libido!
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PaulRevere says... December 18, 2012 at 3:44 p.m.
I suspect McDaniel's race for governor is over... but this certainly qualifies him for a federal position.
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Mojoron says... December 18, 2012 at 4:03 p.m.
After spending the last six years running for governor (don't most AG's do that!) I would bet that he is toast, but he might become a college football coach.
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Populist says... December 18, 2012 at 4:43 p.m.
McDaniel is an idiot. His wife is much better looking than he is. He looks like the Pillsbury dough boy. Can't he have lipo on his neck?
As far as I know, Tim Hutchinson was not a big player. He had marital problems. I actually think that Tim was one of the single nicest politicians in Arkansas politics. I disagreed with him and his brother, Asa, on many issues, but I think they are fine people.
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Packman says... December 18, 2012 at 5:04 p.m.
What's the difference between Dustin McDaniel and Martha Shoffner? The red lipstick.......... Not a good day for the Arkansas demorat party.
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cdawg says... December 18, 2012 at 5:04 p.m.
.
Maybe he should have claimed the Appalachian Trail defense.
.
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br559 says... December 18, 2012 at 5:49 p.m.
He was a dumb ass before and a bigger dumb ass after. But he is still better than Assa Hutchinson!
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BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... December 18, 2012 at 6:14 p.m.
Populist I have to agree with you for once. My family knows Asa personally, and he is a good man. I think he should stay out of politics
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SaferThanSorry says... December 18, 2012 at 6:21 p.m.
C'mon Dusty. Let's let it out of the bag. You were shagging a chicky during your last campaign. That was while you were looking all clean talking about family and faith and integrity. Meanwhile you were diddling another woman, right? Dumped your wife when you got elected, didn't ya? Yes, folks this is the second affair our moral leader has had while married.
Are you going to make us investigate that Dusty or will you just come clean that you are upright at work but down and dirty outside the office?
Hypocrite.
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Jjackk says... December 18, 2012 at 7:09 p.m.
He has admitted to lying and cheating, so I guess we keep until he steals?
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BillSmith says... December 18, 2012 at 7:56 p.m.
T6 Says "Republicans resign. Democrats not until they are forced to."
I don't suppose you have every heard of David Vitter? Right let us know how well read you are?
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Populist says... December 19, 2012 at 6:29 a.m.
His wife should kick his fat, bald ass to the curb. She is very attractive and can do better. Why anybody would want to cheat with him is beyond me. The Democrats need to come up with some new candidates. It seems that the Arkansas Republicans and Democrats are having a contest to see who can come up with the sorriest candidates.
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Populist says... December 19, 2012 at 7:03 a.m.
Bobbi,
I've got some advice for you. If you've only been married to this joker for three years, I hope you don't have any kids with him. This idiot cheated on you after only two years of marriage? Wait until he goes to work. Put all of his things out in front of the house, and call the news media. Stand on the front steps of your home and tell the world you are done with his cheating a$$. Then hire a good divorce lawyer. If this guy is that much of an a$$ when his career is good, it is not going to get better when he realizes that his career is over. Dump him now and find yourself a decent man while you are still young and pretty. Next time, get yourself one who isn't so fat and has some hair.
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Populist says... December 19, 2012 at 7:05 a.m.
Packman,
Bobbi is pretty cute, and I am guessing that she will be available soon.
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MenLR2 says... December 19, 2012 at 7:33 a.m.
Anyone have Bobbi's number? Fat guy here, but have lots of hair.
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Populist says... December 19, 2012 at 2:19 p.m.
MenLR2,
Go for it. I am sure that you would be a big improvement over what she has.
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