Ala. Lawmaker Punches Senate Colleague

MyWay News ^ | Jun 7, 6:43 PM (ET) | BOB JOHNSON

[DesScorp]

Simmering tensions in the Alabama Senate boiled over Thursday when a Republican lawmaker punched a Democratic colleague in the head before they were pulled apart.

Republican Sen. Charles Bishop claimed that Democratic Sen. Lowell Barron called him a "son of a (expletive)."

"I responded to his comment with my right hand," Bishop said. Alabama Public Television tape captured the punch.

Barron refused to comment and went into a closed-door meeting with other Democrats. Sen. Vivian Figures went into the meeting carrying first aid supplies, but she said he was not hurt.

Bishop said he regretted throwing the punch because "that's not the way grown men solve their problems," but added that he would not immediately apologize to Barron.

The fight came on the final day of the 2007 regular session of the Legislature. Republicans and a few Democrats have protested all session the Democratic majority's Senate rules, saying they were unfair. They want to bring up an election reform bill.

The Senate had just taken a recess Thursday afternoon when Bishop approached the chair where Barron was sitting. Moments later security officers and others rushed to separate the two senators.

Members of the Alabama House said the incident makes the entire Legislature look bad.

"It's certainly a black eye on the Legislature and the Senate in particular," Republican Rep. Jay Love said.

[DesScorp]

For those of you that don't know him, Lowell Baron is a typical Southern Democrat wheeler-dealer, in Bill Clinton's mold. He's the kind of guy that will do anything to get and keep power. I can't say I'm shedding any tears because someone decked him.

[Theodore R.]

Still, the AL populace will rally behind the Democrat who is seen as the victim.

[SittinYonder]

"It's certainly a black eye on the Legislature and the Senate in particular," Republican Rep. Jay Love said.

ROFLOL ... looks like Rep. Love has a good sense of humor!

[AmericanMade1776]

I saw that on the news, ..funny.

[burzum]

This is unacceptable behavior. I hope the Alabama Senate gives him the boot and that he faces an assault charge as well.

[tbpiper]

‘bout damn time!! I’d like to see a good ole’ B-western bar room brawl on C-Span.

[sionnsar]

Members of the Alabama House said the incident makes the entire Legislature look bad.

Haven't yet seen a legislature whose work product doesn't makes them look bad.

How about a little personal responsibility for the laws they pass...? Hmmm....?

[okie01]

Somehow, I just can't see Trent Lott decking Teddy Kennedy.

I'd sure feel better about Trent if he did, though...

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Nice right cross!

[Holdek]

“Still, the AL populace will rally behind the Democrat who is seen as the victim.”

Gee, wouldn’t that be bad. It’s not like he got physically assaulted or anything.

[AmericanMade1776]

Sen. Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe, shows the red mark on his neck where he was punched by fellow Sen. Charles Bishop, R-Jasper, on the Senate floor earlier in the day, while talking with the media Thursday, June 7, 2007, at the Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

[Calpernia]

Charles Bishop BUMP!

[DesScorp]

"Still, the AL populace will rally behind the Democrat who is seen as the victim."

Ummm, I don't think so. We know what Baron is like in this state. I think most voters will understand, and more will approve than they'd admit publicly.

[txroadkill]

Your Honor...as you can clearly see on the video tape, I was minding my own business when all of a sudden, he assaulted me by striking my fist with his face. I demand justice.

[AmericanMade1776]

Republican wins.

[Army Air Corps]

This like how the Federal Legislature was in the 19th century. You would be amazed at how many House and Senate debates turned to fisticuffs and beatings with canes.

[Army Air Corps]

That’s it? That is the bruise? It is barely noticeable.

[fieldmarshaldj]

PW3ND !!!!

[The KG9 Kid]

I don't know what occurred beforehand but if the Democrat really did lip off to someone's face, he should have expected to get punched.

It's my opinion that there are certain things that a person can do or say to warrant receiving a punch in the face. I live by that standard, so why can't the rest of the world?

[fieldmarshaldj]

"Down goes Barron ! Down goes Barron !"

(With sincerest apologies to Mr. Cosell)