Scottie Nell Hughes: Her ‘15 Minutes of Fame’ Has Arrived

Scottie Nell Hughes, an aspiring conservative political commentator, has received her “15-minutes of fame.” News reports surfaced earlier this week stating she accused Fox News Business host Charles Payne of sexual harassment before and during a three-year affair. Payne admitted to a “romantic relationship” with an unnamed political analyst on Wednesday and issued a public apology to his family and friends. Having endured the news spotlight when my affair with a legislative staffer came to light in 2009 while I was serving in the Tennessee State Senate, I understand what both Hughes and Payne are facing. What I find intriguing is why Hughes reported the allegations and admitted to the affair as media reports suggested she was interested in seeking elected office in Tennessee in 2018. I first met Scottie Nell Hughes around 2013 when I worked as a journalist and editor for The Christian Post. Ms. Hughes contacted me about submitting an opinion column. During our phone conversation, I learned she too lived in Tennessee and we had many common connections. Although I considered her writing to be mediocre, I published several of her columns because I believed at the time more strong, female conservative voices were needed. Other [...]