Legislator Censured for Using Physical Force
Rocky Mountain News today:
The Colorado House voted 62-1 Thursday to censure [Rep. Douglas] Bruce for kicking a Rocky Mountain News photographer on the House floor last week.
The censure resolution rebuked the Colorado Springs Republican for violating House decorum and “ordinary standards of decency” by using physical force against Javier Manzano as the photographer crouched before the standing Bruce during the ceremonial morning prayer.
According to the article, “Censure is the harshest penalty a lawmaker can face - short of ouster or jail for contempt.”
The near-unanimous condemnation for what Rep. Bruce calls a “nudge” stands in contrast to the situation with Sen. Charles Bishop (R - Arley) here in Alabama. Since Sen. Bishop punched Sen. Barron on the Senate floor last year, there has not yet been any consequence (or even a recommendation of one from the Senate Ethics Committee), Gov. Riley wants the event forgotten, and Republican legislators are said to be willing to shut down the legislature if the Democratic majority punishes Bishop. Oh, and Sen. Bishop received a standing ovation at a GOP event afterward. And a trophy.
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Words from a real law and order Republican:
“We need to lead by example,” said Rep. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, co chairman of the committee that recommended censure. “Violence cannot be tolerated in this house.”
I wish there were lawmakers of this caliber in Alabama.
Comment by bhmhomeboy — January 25, 2008 @ 12:56 pm