Johnny_Blaze_47
10-18-2004, 08:49 AM
Why are no other outlets picking up on this story, AFAIK?
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Political Pandemonium after Local TV Debates
It was political pandemonium Sunday night when a public television debate allegedly turned disorderly, leading two candidates in two seperate races to file police reports against their opponents.
First, News 4 WOAI learned U.S. Representative District 20 candidates Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, Roger Scott and a third candidate had just finished an on-camera debate at the KLRN-TV studio, when the executive producer there says he heard a loud altercation off-camera.
That producer told News 4 WOAI the shouting could be heard in the background of another debate already in progress.
Republican candidate Roger Scott said by phone Sunday night he has filed a police report alleging Congressman Gonzalez assaulted him after the debate.
"The next thing I know Charlie Gonzalez, who was sitting next to me, had grabbed my arm and started squeezing it," Scott said.
"He was like 'How dare you question my voting record?' and then 'Have you seen my voting record?' I said 'Yes, I've seen your voting record and let go of my arm,'" Scott told News 4 WOAI.
We tried repeatedly Sunday night to reach Gonzalez by phone, but none of our calls were returned.
Another candidate at the same debate has also filed a report, claiming he was attacked.
Republican Jim Valdez filed a police report against his opponent, Democratic State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, the incumbent for the District 26 seat.
During the debate, Valdez says he challenged Van de Putte about racial allegations she claims another senator made about a year ago. Valdez said Van de Putte was caught off guard by the question and after the debate, he says she pulled him aside. Valdez claims Van de Putte grabbed his clothes and made threatening comments to him.
"If my son and husband gets ahold of you, you're going to be in trouble," Valdez claims Van de Putte told him.
"She let go and then turned around and grabbed me by the lapel again and yanked on my tie," Valdez alleged.
"This time you've crossed the line. When my husband and son get ahold of you, you'll get beaten up," Valdez claimed Van de Putte told him.
News 4 WOAI tried to contact Van de Putte for comment Sunday night and reached her assistant. The assistant said the state senator was not available for comment.
This story is still developing. We are still seeking comments from both Gonzalez and Van de Putte. For the latest on the story keep it tuned to News 4 WOAI and News Radio 1200 WOAI.
WOAI (http://woai.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=E8B294A4-A9BA-4B71-88EA-BFDD472B2157)
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Political Pandemonium after Local TV Debates
It was political pandemonium Sunday night when a public television debate allegedly turned disorderly, leading two candidates in two seperate races to file police reports against their opponents.
First, News 4 WOAI learned U.S. Representative District 20 candidates Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, Roger Scott and a third candidate had just finished an on-camera debate at the KLRN-TV studio, when the executive producer there says he heard a loud altercation off-camera.
That producer told News 4 WOAI the shouting could be heard in the background of another debate already in progress.
Republican candidate Roger Scott said by phone Sunday night he has filed a police report alleging Congressman Gonzalez assaulted him after the debate.
"The next thing I know Charlie Gonzalez, who was sitting next to me, had grabbed my arm and started squeezing it," Scott said.
"He was like 'How dare you question my voting record?' and then 'Have you seen my voting record?' I said 'Yes, I've seen your voting record and let go of my arm,'" Scott told News 4 WOAI.
We tried repeatedly Sunday night to reach Gonzalez by phone, but none of our calls were returned.
Another candidate at the same debate has also filed a report, claiming he was attacked.
Republican Jim Valdez filed a police report against his opponent, Democratic State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, the incumbent for the District 26 seat.
During the debate, Valdez says he challenged Van de Putte about racial allegations she claims another senator made about a year ago. Valdez said Van de Putte was caught off guard by the question and after the debate, he says she pulled him aside. Valdez claims Van de Putte grabbed his clothes and made threatening comments to him.
"If my son and husband gets ahold of you, you're going to be in trouble," Valdez claims Van de Putte told him.
"She let go and then turned around and grabbed me by the lapel again and yanked on my tie," Valdez alleged.
"This time you've crossed the line. When my husband and son get ahold of you, you'll get beaten up," Valdez claimed Van de Putte told him.
News 4 WOAI tried to contact Van de Putte for comment Sunday night and reached her assistant. The assistant said the state senator was not available for comment.
This story is still developing. We are still seeking comments from both Gonzalez and Van de Putte. For the latest on the story keep it tuned to News 4 WOAI and News Radio 1200 WOAI.
WOAI (http://woai.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=E8B294A4-A9BA-4B71-88EA-BFDD472B2157)