Posted on 12/19/2005 11:49:53 AM PST by CedarDave
Gov. Bill Richardson likes to touch people. He hugs, pokes, jabs and tickles. Looking to start a conversation, he might lean forward and head-butt someone male or female.
Bored on an airplane flight? He'll lick his finger and smudge an aide's glasses. Richardson says he's just joking and teasing to ease tension and boredom.
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish [a Democrat] says she finds the practice irritating. She said she tries to avoid sitting or standing next to the governor at public events. She said the governor's personality is "one of charisma, joking, joshing," but also used some other words to describe his hands-on approach.
"I think it's irritating and annoying," Denish said in a recent interview. "I try not to put myself in that situation, trying not to stand or sit next to him."
Others who work with the governor say it doesn't bother them.
Denish, who also used the terms "teasing," "adolescent" and "silly," made the comments after looking at photos taken at a groundbreaking ceremony for a train depot in Bernalillo. Seated next to Denish, Richardson reached his hand behind her chair, turned to her and grinned.
Denish said the governor was poking at the side of her leg. It went on for five or 10 minutes the state's bored governor picking at the lieutenant governor, who tossed him some exasperated glances as he caught her eye and laughed.
"He pokes me," Denish said when she was asked about the incident. At other times, she said, "He pinches my neck. He touches my hip, my thigh, sort of the side of my leg." She said that he has never touched her in an improper way but that such physical contact in a public setting was inappropriate because it could be misconstrued.
(Excerpt) Read more at abqjournal.com ...
Is he still pimping for Clinton?
Is he still pimping for Clinton?
Sounds borderline to me!
MOM!! HE'S TOUCHING ME!!!
"how has this guy avoided a lawsuit?"
I was wondering the same thing. Although he did learn from the master -- BJ Clintoon!
Wasn't he drafted by the A's??
I have known people who do these things and think it's normal. The technical name for that classification of people is Jerk.
I wonder how he greets the North Koreans?
....gives'em a noogie on their kimchee.
A good kick in the nuts usually ends this kind of behavior.
Mr. Bill said so, so I guess it is so! He wouldn't lie, would he?? Oh, wait. He's a politician -- a politician in the mold of BJ Clinton! I guess this would be filed under, "Fake, but accurate".
" "He pokes me," Denish said when she was asked about the incident. At other times, she said, "He pinches my neck. He touches my hip, my thigh, sort of the side of my leg."
The EEOC, at a minimum, would describe Richardson's behavior as creating a hostile work environment. In any other work environment, Richardson's bizarre and inappropriate behavior would be grounds for dismissal.
In this day and time, It's probably not a good idea to touch anyone. (except for loved ones)
Sounds like sexual harassment according to the PROFESSIONAL LAYWER we had in here at my job explaining what it is.
He's not all bad. Whenever our Strategic Petroleum Reserve gets low, he combs the oil out of his hair, and we're back in business.
I've always been successful with a hard chop to the throat of the offending person. After they can breathe again, I tell tem they shouldn't do that anymore!
Looking of New Mexico's Monica
Don't bet on it, here in NM the unwanting touching of a loved one can be grounds for an assualt on a household member.
Lawsuit? He should be arrested and tried for intentionally spreading biohazardous material.
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