Robert Rochelle

Robert Rochelle
Member of the Tennessee Senate
from the 17th district
In office
1982–2002
Personal details
Born November 25, 1945
Occupation Lawyer

Robert Rochelle (born November 25, 1945) is an American lawyer and former Democratic politician. He served as a member of the Tennessee Senate from 1982 to 2002.

Early life

Robert Rochelle was born on November 25, 1945 in Nashville, Tennessee.[1] He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor of science degree in 1968, and earned a juris doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1969.[1]

Career

Political career

Rochelle served as a Democratic member of the Tennessee Senate from 1970 to 2002.[1]

In 1987, Rochelle sponsored an amendment to a state employment bill to remove HIV/AIDS from its list of handicaps, thus making it easier for employees with HIV/AIDS to be dismissed or "denied promotions" by their employers.[2] The amendment was signed into law by Governor Ned McWherter the same year, though he denied remembering it when confronted it about it by gay activists in 1988.[2] Rochelle, however, said the amendment was intentional.[2]

In 2001, Rochelle's proposal to levy a state income tax was withdrawn due to protests.[3] He retired in 2002 due to "disappointment over a new sales tax increase and threats to his family."[4]

Rochelle co-founded the law firm Rochelle, McCulloch & Aulds with Jere McCulloch and Jo Ann Aulds in 1987.[5] By 2016, it was "the largest law firm in Wilson County with 12 attorneys, more than 20 staff members and offices in Lebanon and Mt. Juliet."[5]

Personal life

With his wife Janice, Rochelle has two children.[1] They reside in Lebanon, Tennessee.[1] He is a Methodist.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Bob Rochelle's Biography PrintTrack This Politician". Votesmart.org. Project Vote Smart. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 Pratt, James (March 20, 1988). "Law allows AIDS discrimination. Not a handicap under state's definition". The Tennessean. pp. 1, 6. Retrieved December 22, 2017 – via Newspapers.com. (Registration required (help)).
  3. ↑ "Tennessee Officials Drop Tax Plan After Protest". The New York Times. July 13, 2001. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Rochelle drops out of Senate". The Jackson Sun. Jackson, Tennessee. July 10, 2002. p. 1. Retrieved December 22, 2017 – via Newspapers.com. (Registration required (help)).
  5. 1 2 "Rozell joins Rochelle, McCulloch & Aulds". Lebanon Democrat. August 29, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2017.


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