Committed until the end

Like usual, Ford is true to his word. On February 17th, McNeil gives Ford a call (Exhibit 48) and asks about the progress.

"I've met with the guy, the Fiscal Review Director, and he's going to work on that," says Ford.

McNeil then wants to know if there could be any problems in getting the legislation through. Ford does admit that he's getting a bit of pressure.

"I ain't quitting giving up. They are putting a lot of pressure on me, but I'll beat it," says Ford.

A few days later on February 24th (exhibit 49), McNeil calls Ford again. This time Ford is suffering from a head cold. He still hasn't heard back from the Fiscal Review Director, but assumes everything is in good order until it hits the bill committee in early March.

Ford stays on the Fiscal Note issue and on March 7, 2005, Ford calls a woman named Rosemary (exhibit 50).

Rosemary works in Senator's Ford's office. She handles the day-to-day operation. She works in his Nashville office. During the secretly recorded phone conversation, Ford asks Rosemary to check two things.

"Check with Fiscal Review. I need the fiscal note on it. Tell them I need it on Tuesday or Wednesday," says Ford.

The second thing he wanted was to make sure they mark Bill 28 (the E-Cycle bill) on the calander for next week.