Comment by bilbobaggins — September 19, 2007 @ 10:51 pm

You’re right — at the time I posted that, I was only going with the TP text of the item without investigating further, which only mentioned “misdemeanor assault and battery charges”. Interpreting that as “beating somebody up” may have been a bit of an exaggeration.

I usually do a bit more research before I sound off, and I should have this time. I did look into the story a bit more, and I found out what the employee’s complaint actually was:

[According to Kunkel's Aug. 19 complaint, Filner “barged in front of a line” of people inquiring about their luggage at a United Airlines baggage counter, screamed, then pushed on Kunkel's arms when she tried to keep him from stepping beyond her into an employees-only area.

“He wanted people in the back office to help him,” Kunkel said in her complaint. “I told him they were busy. I said he needs to stop – he told me 'you can't stop me.' I said, 'The police can.'

“At this point, I am yelling for co-workers to call the police. He gets past me into the back office yelling at other agents. He again pushes me out of the way near the doorway. After hearing a co-worker on the phone with (airport police), Mr. Filner leaves the office.”]

It’s behavior unbecoming a Congressman (even though I understand his frustration), but he didn’t actually slug anyone. My apologies.

missmolly, I’m surprised at you. Getting into a shoving match hardly qualifies as “beating someone up”. If he had “beat up” the handler, they would have pressed felony charges and not misdemeanor charges.

duh… ugh… duh… thanks…
me not think straight…

You’re right, of course. When I have a bad day at work, I tend to get very crabby and impossible to live with. For airport workers, I bet every day is a bad day — or at least a great many of them are.

There are many facets of the system that need to be fixed. In the meantime, I have taken Amtrak when I find they go where I need to, and traveling on the train is still a great joy (if you’re not in a hurry, that is).

Hmm. Actually, I think he would.

Sen. Craig got out of it because the rules are different in the Senate than they are in the House of Representatives.

It’s kind of silly, but both legislative bodies are responsible for policing themselves.

Also, how about an investigation into Patrick McHenry’s relationship in those deaths last week? Is that fair game?

That little turd really needs some sunshine pumped up his lily white ass.

so, is that how CRAIG got out of this?
some kind of statute of limitation?
huh…
seems the fact that he tried to hide it would disqualify that…
…

Read this story to see just how far this has gone.

I guess my question is this, and it’s the same question I asked when Larry Craig pleaded guilty — Does arrest on a misdemeanor charge warrant expulsion from Congress? Or is this something for constituents to decide?