Oct. 20, 2006 — Gov. Charles W. Turnbull has foiled an attempt by Attorney General Kerry Drue to demote Solicitor General Elliott "Mac" Davis.
On Oct. 3, the Source reported that Drue had laid the problems with the last-minute submission of the government's group health insurance plans at Davis' feet. (See "Former Solicitor General Demoted Following Insurance Plan Fiasco").
On Oct. 2, Drue sent a memorandum to all department heads, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, Lt. Gov. Vargrave Richards and Chief of Staff Juel Molloy stating that Deputy Solicitor Paul Paquin was to replace Davis.
Two weeks later, on Oct. 16, the governor sent his own memorandum that read, "Please be advised that attorney Elliott "Mac" Davis maintains the position of solicitor general." Turnbull went on: "This memorandum supersedes the memorandum dated Oct. 2, 2006."
In a letter to Drue of the same date, Turnbull said after reviewing correspondence from Drue on the matter and after meeting with Davis, Drue and Assistant Solicitor General Matthew Phelan (who had been charged with reviewing the insurance contract), "I have determined that the delays in negotiating and preparing the health and medical insurance agreements do not rest solely with the Department of Justice or with Solicitor General Elliott 'Mac' Davis."
Davis, who has served as solicitor general for six years, would only say on Friday, "I am gratified that the governor has raised his voice in defense of the role of my department in preparing the government health insurance contracts."
He said, " I want to thank all of those who spoke up in support of the work I have done as solicitor general."
Davis said the experience "reinforced my resolve always to try to do the next right thing and be confident that life will work out the way it is supposed to."
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
