News - Local
Comment in State Senate riles Democrats
Posted: Mar 4, 2010 5:04 PM
A Republican senator riled some Democrats by calling a freshman lawmaker "Senator One-Year."
GOP Sen. Shawn Mitchell used the term to mockingly address Democratic Sen. Bruce Whitehead during a debate on renewable energy. Whitehead was appointed to represent southwestern Colorado and faces a Republican challenger in this fall's election.
Mitchell was gaveled and said, "I'm sorry. I deserved that." Democratic Sen. Linda Newell asked for Mitchell's remarks to be recorded by the Senate secretary, a rare move. Democrat Morgan Carroll said lawmakers shouldn't bring electioneering into the Capitol.
Republican leader Josh Penry later said the chamber is a political arena and he urged lawmakers "not to get too carried away in our own self importance."
As Seen On News 5
