Politics

House Panel To Investigate Bruce's Kick

DENVER (CBS4/AP) ― The Legislature launched an investigation Tuesday into state Rep. Douglas Bruce for kicking a newspaper photographer during a prayer on the floor of the House.

House Speaker Andrew Romanoff said he will form a special committee with powers similar to an ethics committee, which can recommend discipline ranging from a reprimand to expulsion.

"We are intent on maintaining order and decorum in that chamber and there is enough evidence to warrant further examination," Romanoff said.

House leaders said they were still looking into the specific authority they could give the panel, including subpoena power, and whether the meetings would be public.

Bruce, a Colorado Springs Republican, accused the photographer of causing a disruption by snapping his photo during the traditional session-opening prayer on Monday morning, hours before Bruce was sworn in as a midterm replacement.

Bruce refused to apologize and called the kick "just a nudge."

Romanoff, a Democrat, said the committee will be formed with the help of Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker.

"I've also expressed my apologies to the Rocky as well as to the photographer that someone shouldn't come on the floor, whether you're a House member, a visitor, a member of the media doing your job, and expect to be treated in that fashion," May said.

The inquiry must be done by a special committee because an ethics committee can investigate only actions by standing lawmakers.

The committee's recommendations are due Jan. 25. Any action would require a two-thirds vote of the House.

Bruce said he's done nothing wrong.

"I don't think it's unethical to ask somebody repeatedly not to disrupt the prayer and particularly my prayer and participation," Bruce said after Romanoff announced the investigation.

"He didn't have any injury. He didn't fall over, it was just a nudge," Bruce said.

Bruce was standing during the prayer when photographer Javier Manzano knelt down and snapped his photo. Bruce brought the sole of his shoe down hard on Manzano's bent knee and said, "Don't do that again."

"I think that's the most offensive thing I've seen a photographer do in 21 years," Bruce said later. "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."

Rocky Mountain News Editor John Temple said Manzano 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.

Separately Tuesday, Bruce accused fellow lawmakers of misleading the public by giving emergency status to routine legislation, allowing the laws to take effect immediately instead of 90 days later, and barring voters from challenging them.

Senate Minority Leader Andy McElhany, R-Colorado Springs, agreed the rules have been abused but said emergency status is sometimes required, especially for funding bills.

(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)