This morning we considered House Resolution 1005 on the censure of Rep. Doug Bruce. The Resolution was read in its entirety, detailing the Jan. 14 incident in which Rep. Bruce kicked a photographer. (You can find the full text of the Resolution at http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/CLICS2008A/csl.nsf/BillFoldersHouse?openFrameset.)

The Resolution not only censured Rep. Bruce but also directed him to act according to the highest standards of legislative conduct in the future.

Speaking in opposition to the Resolution, Rep. Bruce likened his situation to the one portrayed in the 1939 movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington starring Jimmy Stewart – that of the principled freshman legislator who bucks the system for the greater good.

Rep. Bruce moved to have his side of the story – in the form of a 7-page memo distributed to all members – also included in the Journal, so that all could see his version of events. Rep. Bruce’s memo included such statements as:

• “There is no House rule that says any touching of another private citizen is disruptive per se.”
• “I brought four dozen roses for staff members, solely as good will gestures,” as well as 64 baggies of Jelly Bellies and 64 invitations for a private meal with new colleagues. “Are those the actions of a violent, angry, hateful, disruptive person? No.”
• “I had asked the photogs twice not to disrupt the prayer and pledge. … The tap on his knee (the closest point without going down on the floor with him) was not ‘violent’ ….”
• “Does this alleged freedom of the press allow [journalists] to violate my free exercise of religion …?”
• “Is this minor contact really such an outrage that it should be the only example of public discipline by the House in state history?”

Apparently it is. The House voted 62-1 to adopt HR 1005. As for Rep. Bruce’s motion to have his memo printed in the Journal, 7 voted yes and 56 voted no.

I voted YES to censure. I was appalled by Rep. Bruce’s continued failure to take any responsibility for his actions. We would not allow our teenagers to refuse to acknowledge their part in such behavior. I was also appalled by Rep. Bruce’s insistence on blaming another person – like a child saying “he started it.”

I voted NO to include Rep. Bruce’s memorandum in the House Journal because, as Minority Leader May stated, it contained many unverified statements regarding unrelated events. However, for the curious, you may find the memo on Doug Bruce’s website, www.douglasbruce.com under “The Nudge.”

Perhaps the best wrap-up came from Rep. Al White (R-57). Speaking in support of the Resolution, he said, “Rep. Bruce, you’re not Jimmy Stewart, this is not 1939, and this is not the movies.”

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