Politics

DENVER (AP/CBS4) ― Antitax crusader Douglas Bruce kicked a newspaper photographer and was then sworn in as a state representative on Monday, but not while the House was in session, as he had demanded. Bruce later said he wouldn't apologize and said the photographer should be the one to say he's sorry.

Bruce, a Republican, backed down in his standoff with Democratic House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and members of his own party over Bruce's insistence that the full House attend when he was sworn in to fill a vacant seat.

He settled for a smaller ceremony when the House was not in session, which is standard practice for midterm appointees.

Carrying a family Bible, Bruce went to the House floor Monday morning as a guest of Rep. Kent Lambert, a fellow Colorado Springs Republican.

When Rocky Mountain News photographer Javier Manzano took his photo during the traditional morning prayer, Bruce, who was standing, brought the sole of his shoe down hard on the photographer's bent knee. A CBS4 News videographer saw Bruce make a kicking motion, but didn't see the actual contact.

"Don't do that again," Bruce told Manzano.

Later, Bruce refused to apologize.

"I think that's the most offensive thing I've seen a photographer do in 21 years," he said. "If people are going to cause a disruption during a public prayer, they should be called for it. He owes an apology to the House and the public."

"I'm glad that he maybe, finally, I hoped learned a lesson," Bruce continued. "That he should not disrupt a public prayer of the House."

Rocky Mountain News Editor John Temple said the photographer had a right to take Bruce's picture. Temple said he would discuss the incident with House leadership.

"The House floor is a place where journalists are allowed to operate. It's outrageous for Mr. Bruce in a public place to assault a photographer," Temple said.

Bruce, best know as the author of a tax-limiting amendment to the state Constitution, was chosen by El Paso County Republicans last month to fill an unexpired term. He delayed his swearing-in until Monday, five days after the session started. That allowed him to take advantage of a loophole in state term limits that would allow him to serve eight more years instead of six.

But it also irritated Romanoff, who said Bruce should have taken the oath sooner. Romanoff said he will introduce legislation setting a deadline for midterm newcomers to take the oath.

Bruce said he had done nothing wrong and demanded that he be allowed to take the oath of office with the House in session. "It will not be a proceeding in secret," he vowed last week.

Romanoff refused, saying he wouldn't delay House business "to indulge anyone's vanity." A swearing-in while the House is in session would have caused a delay of about 15 minutes.

Bruce finally gave in after members of his own party threatened to start the process of replacing him if he didn't take the oath on Monday.

Correction

In a video clip associated with this story, Rep. Wes McKinley is incorrectly identified as a state senator.

Comments:

Rich Smith, Littleton
"I must say that I don?t agree how Douglas Bruce handled this situation but the Rocky Mountain News Photographer should be disciplined or fired for his actions. Not only is this disrespectful and discourteous to say the least. But really, who wants to see a picture of someone praying? The press needs to realize that they have a responsibility to behave themselves just like anyone else and use proper judgment based on the situation. Being disruptive by taking a photo during a prayer is un-professional and just plain wrong!!!"

Jim Schindler, Brighton
"In regards to the report about the behavior of Doug Bruce kicking at a photographer during the prayer in the Statehouse chambers, I believe that is a time of reverence and cameras should be silenced during that short period of time.  Having someone at your feet taking flash photos while you are attempting to join in prayer is offensive, and I believe the photographer should have respected that occasion.  The policy should be that photos may only be taken from a distance, or not at all, during prayer.
The comment that Mr. Benneman made to the reporter at the scene regarding him being in peril by holding a microphone in front of Mr. Bruce, wanting a comment about the kicking episode, was at best a cheap-shot and showed poor taste.
Mr. Bruce hasn't endeared himself to the public or the folks at the State Capital, but that does not make him fair game for attack and insult.  You folks are better than that, aren't you??"

Stacia Hazlett, Lakewood
"How in the world can we teach our children to think BEFORE they act when they see Mr. Bruce on TV kicking another person during a PRAYER out of anger and frustration.  Who appointed this idiot anyway?  I don't think this man represents the citizens of Colorado except for the ones that get detention in school, expelled, incarcerated or nailed by the HR department in the company they work.  Get rid of this loser."

(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)