Arizona state lawmaker (Republican) attacked on Christmas

CNN ^ | 12/26/2010 | Nick Valencia

[TXConservative25]

An unknown attacker left an Arizona state lawmaker unconscious and bound at his business, Casa Grande police said Sunday.

On Christmas Day, State Rep. Frank Pratt went to check on his swimming pool store when he was confronted by a person already inside the building who, "severely beat him, knocked him unconscious, And left him bound inside the building," police said in a statement.

[Ken522]

If he was a Dem it would be national news ....

[NoGrayZone]

Disgusting. Don’t these people know their “deeds” will be judged, come that day?

[dsrtsage]

I’m sure it was one of those violent tea party militias

[digital-olive]

Hey AZ....wake the f*** up!

[whitedog57]

Could be anyone.

But if I was taking bets, ...

[martinidon]

I don't know, but something just doesn't sound right about this. A couple of things stand out.
Why would he be going to check on his Pool Store on Christmas day? (Its not like it would be a prime target for thieves)
He leaves his cell phone at home? If you are going to “check on the store” why not take your cell phone and gun. (In AZ you can carry concealed without a permit)
You take no family with you? Does he have sons, friends, neighbors to ride with him?
His “State issues Yukon” is stolen. Even if this story is legit, Arizona is broke, why are we issuing State Legislatures Yukons, Pay them mileage. If you have to issue a car why not a fuel efficient vehicle.....

[TXConservative25]

Many people feel safe not carrying a gun while in public. Not really out of the ordinary.

A closed store is a perfect target for thieves, especially on Christmas day. The representative was just unlucky enough to have walked upon the burglary, which now became a robbery.

There is no indication in the story that the Representative did not have his cell phone. But it’s kind of tough to use your phone when you’re bound.

[chooseascreennamepat]

“Hey AZ....wake the f*** up!”

I would love to know what you mean by that comment.

[cripplecreek]

A few years back a local car stereo shop was robbed and the owner severely beaten. A few weeks later the geniuses tried it again.

They figured the owner would be too scared to try to stop them a second time. They didn’t count on the shotgun. The owner killed one and put the other in a wheelchair for life.

[martinidon]

in the article it said his wife tried to contact him on his cell phone and he had left it at home.
People breaking into a store don't normally beat people up and then tie them up. Something just doesn't seem right.

[Vigilanteman]

The owner killed one and put the other in a wheelchair for life.

Sorry to hear about the guy who got put in a wheelchair for life. Armed owners under stress can't always get the best aim.

[Liberty Valance]

http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=28269
brief bio

[Secret Agent Man]

I kept shooting until I stopped the threat.

that’s all you have to say. One more bullet would have been too much, one less would not have been enough.

[chooseascreennamepat]

“Something just doesn’t seem right.”

Yes. Your analysis. Your first attempt to support the perp was irrational enough. This is just as bad.

Since the circumstances are similar, should he have a “shotgun rider” accompany him to work every day?

Should the perp have asked him to sit in the corner? Perhaps he should have shot him. Since you believe the owner should pack, it stands to reason that a robber would always carry a weapon.

Just what would he stand to gain by pulling his own job? How much $$ involved. Apparently not much. Would you trade a knot on the head and a hospital stay for a few bucks.

And how about tying himself up. Darned hard to do and make it look real. Or maybe he did bring a neighbor along to perform the task. Would you do it for a few bucks?

I believe AZ pols drive ALT-Fuel vehicles.

You come on as if you would be more at home at DU.

JMHO

[UCFRoadWarrior]

If I were a betting man...I say the perp is an Illegal Alien...

[Balding_Eagle]

I hate carrying a phone, but I must. On weekends I often forget about it, as I’m on ‘free time’.

That part of it it easy for me to understand.

[martinidon]

give me a break on this “ALT Fuel” crap. You think these legislators are using ALT Fuel? I live in AZ and I do not know too many ALT fuel stations. The point is they should not be driving State Issued Vehicles. Here's a question for you. If he was driving his State Issued vehicle, why was he using it to check on his personal business? Plus these guys are only in session a couple of months a year.....

Your support of the ALT Fuel vehicle makes you more likely to be a DU.

[submarinerswife]

Sounds like he’s lucky to be alive.

[martinidon]

I forget mine sometimes too. I am just pointing out some of the more peculiar things about this story. But when I do travel to one of my stores (when they are closed)I always take my cell phone and my gun. I just call it like I see it. I don't care who's political party he is from. I bet some of the people hating on me in this thread would be bringing up these same points if this were a democrat