Bruce alive and kicking in House
By Chris Barge, Rocky Mountain News (Contact), Alan Gathright, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published January 14, 2008 at 11:31 a.m.
Updated January 14, 2008 at 3:48 p.m.
Photo by Javier Manzano © The Rocky
Colorado Springs Republican Rep. Douglas Bruce talks to Colorado Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff and asked him when he planned to swear him in, after a brief recess at the state legislature. Bruce kicked a Rocky photographer and had his own party threaten to replace him before he finally was sworn in as a state representative.
Photo by Javier Manzano © The Rocky
Douglas Bruce bows his head during the prayer in the Colorado House chamber this morning. Bruce, an anti-tax crusader and new member of the House, kicked Rocky photographer Javier Manzano in the knee moments after this photo was taken.
Photo by Evan Semon © The Rocky
Republican Rep. Douglas Bruce of Colorado Springs is sworn into office by House Speaker Andrew Romanoff this afternoon.
After days of wrangling and demands, it only took 25 seconds for anti-tax crusader Douglas Bruce to let House Speaker Andrew Romanoff give him the oath of office before friends and a few fellow lawmakers.
The swearing-in to a near-empty chamber just after 1:30 p.m. followed a wild morning during which Bruce had kicked a Rocky photographer during the House morning prayer and later faced a 22-1 vote by the Republican Caucus to push for replacement of the appointed representative if he didn't take the oath by day's end.
As if nothing had happened, Romanoff invited Bruce up to the speaker's podium where the Colorado Springs Republican solemnly swore to uphold the U.S. and Colorado constitutions and to "faithfully perform the duties of my office to the best of my knowledge and ability," Bruce said.
"Rep. Bruce has been given the oath of office, the chief clerk will add his name to the roll call of the House," Romanoff said. "It's now my great pleasure to introduce the representative for House District 15, Rep. Douglas Bruce."
"Congratulations again," the speaker said as the two shook hands and Bruce's friends cheered and clapped.
"Thank you," Bruce said simply.
Earlier in the morning, the Colorado Springs Republican tried to make light of the gaggle of reporters and photographers following him around this morning.
But his patience snapped as photographers from the Rocky and Denver Post crouched before him to shoot his picture as he stood for the House's morning prayer.
Bruce told Rocky photographer Javier Manzano "Don't do that again," and then gave him a swift kick in the knee.
Asked by reporters in his office about the incident, Bruce said his kick was warranted and that he had warned the photographers not to take his picture during the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
"In 21 years, I don't think there has ever been an instance where I had to do something to stop somebody from behaving in such a coarse and disgusting way," Bruce said.
Asked by a reporter after his swearing in if Bruce planned to apologize to Manzano, Bruce said: "I think the Rocky Mountain News photographer ought to apologize to the House and to me and to all the people whom he disrupted. He needs to get a lesson in manners and decorum."
House rules allow the media full access to the floor where the incident occurred. No restrictions are placed on photographers during prayers or any other activities.
Manzano declined to comment.
Rocky Editor, President and Publisher John Temple said the speaker of the House is the person who sets rules of conduct, and the rules have allowed photographers on the floor to take pictures of such moments for decades.
"For a person to believe that he can provide a lesson in decorum by kicking another human being is unfathomable," Temple said. "Mr. Bruce's conduct was totally out of line. He owes the photographer and the full House an apology."
Bruce and House leadership have been butting heads over the time and setting for the swearing-in of the rookie legislator.
Romanoff and House Minority Leader Mike May had urged Bruce to show up for the beginning of the legislative session last week, but Bruce refused, saying he wanted to delay his start so that he would be eligible to serve eight additional years after his current term is over.
Bruce was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Bill Cadman, who was appointed to fill a Senate vacancy.
Romanoff last week offered to swear in Bruce at 8 this morning, but Bruce refused that offer, saying he wanted to be sworn in while the House was in session, starting at 10 a.m.
That would have been an unprecedented honor that no appointed lawmaker is accorded.
Bruce sat through the morning session after kicking Manzano in the knee. He was not acknowledged by Romanoff. Afterward, he agreed with Romanoff to take the oath at 1:30 this afternoon before an empty chamber.
Fed up with Bruce's waiting game on being sworn in, the House Republican Caucus voted 22-1 immediately after the morning session to make the appointed lawmaker's seat vacant again if he didn't take the oath by day's end.
"The citizens of his House district need to be represented," House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, said during the caucus, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. "This can't go on. We can't have this sideshow every day of someone refusing to take the oath of office."
Rep. Jim Kerr expressed just how irritated Republicans have become with their new colleague.
"He can take the oath or take a hike," the Littleton Republican said.
Rep. Al White, R-Hayden, introduced the resolution, saying the caucus must show Bruce that "no individual is greater than the office we represent or the constituents we represent," according to the Gazette.
Other party members shouted their approval of the motion, with only Rep. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, disagreeing by saying that Bruce should be given more time.
Even Rep. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, the lawmaker who helped Bruce enter the floor this morning as a guest, voted against him.
"It's the very strong sense of the Republican Caucus that a member who is elected or appointed to fill a vacancy ought to take the oath of office within a reasonable time and begin representing one's constituents," Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, said after the vote.
The non-binding vote would have directed the Republican committee that appointed Bruce to find another appointee if Bruce had not become an official lawmaker today.
Gardner said Bruce's five-day delay in arriving after the session's start and his swearing-in demand "is certainly a distraction" from the House's work — and the Republican minority's efforts to focus attention on the party agenda.
"It's also a sense that no single member of this body, of either party, is larger than the party or the work that we do. This is not about any single individual," Gardner said.
"We believe very strongly as representatives, and it is what I think we were expressing in our caucus today, that we expect people to be present for duty and to represent their constituents," he added. "Even more critical – our party is in the minority and we need each and every vote all of the time," he said.
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January 14, 2008
11:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
jackwoehr writes:
Do your photographers get combat pay for covering the Colorado Assembly? There has always been the danger of falling asleep, tipping over and breaking one's camera lens, but kneecapping is a new degree of journalistic risk!
January 14, 2008
11:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
LOUIE writes:
Mr. Bruce, I believe your mental faculties and lack of ettiquette is most unbecoming of the dignity of public office; I believe they have become as dilapidated as your private properties. You have done some remarkable feats in the political arena, but you're also your own liability as a baffoon of odd sorts.
January 14, 2008
11:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
Beverley writes:
This person is an embarassment to the Republican party
January 14, 2008
12:25 p.m.
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BW writes:
Mr. Bruce is an embarrassment to the political process in general. He's already messed up the Colorado Budget with his "bait and switch" TABOR initiative.
January 14, 2008
12:29 p.m.
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Scott writes:
I completely supported the TABOR amendment. BUT, Bruce has turned into a total embarrassment. Mr. Bruce, get some professional help.
Scott
January 14, 2008
12:36 p.m.
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Finn writes:
Who isn't an embarrassment to the republican party?
January 14, 2008
12:41 p.m.
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Scott writes:
Finn,
I'm a registered democrat and I consider darn near ALL of the democrat politicians an embarrassment.
Scott
January 14, 2008
1:17 p.m.
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Logical writes:
I have to lean towards Bruce on this issue. I am tired of photographers trying to get shots of people regardless of the situation. He's got his head bowed in prayer, so leave him alone in his personal moment. I think it is crass to take pictures of people while the entire room is supposedly praying. I am an atheist, so it has nothing to do with me defending my religion. It has to do with respecting someone during a private moment while they practice their religion.
Photograhpers badger people too often, then get miffed when their subject takes exception to their camera. Show some respect, photographers.
January 14, 2008
1:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
glowrock writes:
Doug Bruce has become nothing more than a joke. He's nothing more than a car-wreck, where you don't want to look, but you just have to look to see how bad the carnage is. I swear, he's a complete and total disgrace, not just to the Republican Party but to the entire Colorado legislature as well!
January 14, 2008
1:31 p.m.
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scapulon writes:
If you don't want people taking pictures of you praying in public, maybe you shouldn't be praying in public.
January 14, 2008
1:41 p.m.
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Diff writes:
Maybe he and Tancredo should get an apartment together, They're on about the same level....
I would hope the photographer files an assualt complaint! While he had every right to express his frustration or indicate he felt he was being crowded or intruded on etc but when his foot contacted another - he over stepped his rights!
January 14, 2008
1:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
observe writes:
Sure, having photographers snapping photos in close proximity during a prayer is annoying and perhaps inappropriate.
HOWEVER
Kicking at the photographer is even MORE inappropriate. It is a HORRIBLE way to react to something you don't like.
I find this action more immature than the way many children act.
I will watch for a response from Mr. Bruce in case the facts are not as originally presented.
January 14, 2008
2:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
EZBakeOven writes:
Douglas Bruce is one of the NASTIEST men I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. Next time photogs kick him in the 'nads!
January 14, 2008
2:50 p.m.
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GrayOwl writes:
It appears that if Mr. Bruce cannot get everything his way -- including the swearing-in date and circumstances -- he sinks to behavior that most folks grew out of by age 10. He is to be pitied. Now, sadly, the Legislature will be held hostage to his antics, delays and self-centered pandering for attention which have plagued the people of Colorado Springs and El Paso County for years. He is not the hero he imagines himself to be. Rather, he is a self-righteous buffoon.
January 14, 2008
2:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
jibbons writes:
Ha Ha, now Bruce is everyone's problem, not just El Paso County. To the voters who will decide if this substitute gets re-elected, I say, just pay attention for a few days, and you will see what the double-speaking ape can do.
God help us.
January 14, 2008
3:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Brain writes:
The photographers should have respected what he had asked but it is not appropriate to kick the photographer.
Is there an appropriate response? Would Temple have reprimanded this photographer if Bruce made a complaint?
Shouldn't inconsiderate journalists show some civility themselves?
Just because the photographer has a "right" doesn't make it right to do! And it definitely doesn't make Bruce right!
January 14, 2008
3:06 p.m.
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EZBakeOven writes:
How very Christian to pray and then assault someone.
January 14, 2008
3:55 p.m.
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windbourne writes:
The photographer should have kicked Bruce HARD and below the mid-section. That guy deserves it. He is a public person in a public setting. Any pix are allowed.
January 14, 2008
4:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Grim_Reefer writes:
Douglas Bruce made himself the center of the story during today's session at the State House with his unprecedented request for a public swearing-in ceremony.
To say these journalists (who are the public's eyes and ears in the State House) were inconsiderate and rude for doing their job is a rather un-just statement. Had the photographers followed the man to the bathroom and chased him around in a car, those assertions may hold water, but for merely photographing him in the public sphere (on the floor of the statehouse) is not inappropriate. In fact, Mr. Bruce, if he did request them not to take his picture, seems to be asking for Prior Restraint (i.e. censorship) in photographers.
Sorry, Mr. Bruce, you're a public figure in a public space, journalists have every right, and a duty to photograph you.
And you have no right, nor excuse to assault anyone doing so.
The other representatives of the statehouse should not let that behavior stand, period. But, i'd be willing to guess everyone will suffer the self-righteous and juvenile behavior of one Douglas Bruce for more time to come.
January 14, 2008
4:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Scott writes:
ezekiel777,
Please reconsider about "... never vote[ing] for a conservative again." Nebraska had a 30 year embarrassment, Ernie Chambers, who is a raging liberal democrat. Neither Bruce nor Chambers is/was a poster boy for their respective parties. Jerks come in all flavors and parties.
Scott
January 14, 2008
4:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
elaineb writes:
Bruce is an immature idiot. What an embarrassment to Colorado!
January 14, 2008
4:33 p.m.
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FallyBerry writes:
I believe the photog, Mr. Manzano, should receive praise for his behavior following Bruces' ridiculous attack. As journalists, regardless of whether or not we appreciate everything they do, one thing is for certain, they often do it without praise, and their only goal is to provide the truth to the people.
The fact that Mr. Manzano did not let Bruce get to him in this place, in OUR House, where everything that happens is public knowledge is commendable, and then for not reacting when Bruce took the incident further and kicked him should be applauded. People like Bruce who seem to only have interest in keeping the public out of their business (their business which also happens to be PUBLIC business) should never be elected as representatives of the people.
If Bruce had any intelligence he would have used the coverage to his advantage, showing a better side of himself to the people of this state, instead he has embarrased himself completely. This behavior, and that surrounding his swearing in is abhorrent.
January 14, 2008
4:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
HolierThanThou writes:
How to Kick a News Photographer
1. First make a huge spectacle of yourself by thumbing your nose at the procedures of the people's legislature, by insulting the people of Colorado, and by pouting and raising a stink for not getting things exactly your way.
2. Then get upset when a photographer wants a picture of the spectacle you've made of yourself.
Someone should provide his Majesty with a crown, a rubber scepter, and fuzzy red robe. That is the perfect outfit for a royal buffoon who is ready to be tarred, feathered, and ridden out of town on a rail.
Almost makes me feel sorry for the other Republicans...
January 14, 2008
5:08 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Holier Than Thou, His Majesty like the Emperor, has no clothes, but don't tell him that!
January 14, 2008
5:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
rkwilson777 writes:
Clearly, the man has issues. And yes, he acts like an arrogant jerk.
Clearly, Finn has issues. And yes, he acts like an arrogant jerk with his "Who isn't an embarrassment to the republican party?" statement.
Clearly, Ezekial777 has issues. And yes, he acts like an arrogant jerk when he says he'll "never vote for another conservative." Come on, you've NEVER voted for a conservative!
All three are disingenuous, arrogant, and have issues. The difference is, Bruce is a public servant. And that makes his actions inexcusable.
January 14, 2008
5:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
Alive writes:
Actually, I thought it was kind of funny. You may now feel free to pummel me. I think that's kinda funny too! ;)
January 14, 2008
6:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
Drive2xs writes:
In response to Logical,
Representative Bruce is an exception to privacy on the grounds of place & role. He was in the State Legislature a Public location, fulfilling his Public duty as a State Representative.
In that respect, Rep. Bruce has very limited entitlement to privacy while acting in his official PUBLIC capacity, therefore formal Battery/Assault charge should be filed against Rep. Bruce kicking the photographer during this incident.
If this same incident had occurred at Rep. Bruce personal place of worship privately, then I would support Rep. Bruce as a private citizen.
January 14, 2008
6:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
Humberto writes:
As I see it the issues are getting mixed.
The first issue is:
Should a journalistic photographer take pictures of activities performed in a public place that might be of interest to the public?
Answer: Yes
The second issue is:
Does a politician have the right to expect privacy from photographers while performing in public?
Answer: No
The third issue is:
Does a grown man have the right to kick someone for doing their job despite his edict that they don't?
Answer: No
The fourth issue is:
Is a grown man who kicks someone for doing their job a good leader?
Answer: No, but too late now.
January 14, 2008
7:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
photojon writes:
I'm not from CO, and not familiar with Bruce. I do have 34 years of experience shooting photos for newspapers though. While the assault on the photog was unwarranted under any circumstances, I do wonder. Granting that Bruce is the jerk everyone says he is, could the photog not have waited for a more interesting photo opportunity from the event than Bruce in prayer? Also, if shooting at that moment was so important, was the flash really necessary in this day if high ISO digital cameras?
January 14, 2008
7:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
BirdonaWire writes:
Me thinks Douggy is not long for state office. He brought this whole media throng upon himself. Dude's like Brittany Spears but older and uglier and maybe a tad smarter.
January 14, 2008
7:30 p.m.
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FallyBerry writes:
I don't know Bird, whether he is smarter than BritBrit is up in the air.
January 14, 2008
8 p.m.
Suggest removal
DrewKerin writes:
Was this the best Republican that House vacancy committee could find? Douglas Bruce waits five days so he can run four more times, instead of three. I'd say the man is wildly optimistic. If today was any example of how he intends to represent his constituents, I doubt he will be able to win a full-fledged election even once.
January 14, 2008
8:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
UBCprofessor writes:
OK. Mr. Bruce, as so many others have said, did something "inappropriate." Agreed. But what about the guy on the podium during the swearing in (heard on the video) who said something about "irregardless." That is a solecism, an error in English, and is, IMHO, quite inappropriate and should also attract some media attention. Hey, you experts on English -- I mean you copy editors, English teachers and English professors, and other fault-finders as well -- here's your chance to teach the public a lesson in English usage !
January 14, 2008
8:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
scodtt writes:
Watch out, everyone. Don't call him crazy. That could be insensitive to people who really are mentally ill.
Look at the diagnosis of NPD http://www.sco.tt/scott_yates/2008/01....
January 14, 2008
8:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
pappy writes:
I am astounded, and astonished. I would expect better from Britany Spears.
If he were to have 'reminded' a child in this manner,it would be considered abuse. As the individual was an adult, it was assaultive, and should be dealt with as an assault.
The only conclusion I can draw is that Mr. Bruce considers himself above the norms of community behaviors and laws.
Glad he brought his own bible to the ceremony... he be kickin!
January 14, 2008
9:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
Unbelievable writes:
Well, it's nice to see that our lawmakers and leaders have the right to go around and kick people. Ya know, if I kicked someone for everytime that they made me angry or fustratated, I'd have more kicks than Jason Elam. I'd also be in jail for assault. But, I'm just a lowly ol' peasant and not in the State House of Representatives. There is a lesson that Mr. Jerky, I mean, Mr. Bruce himself can learn here. It's something we ADULTS like to call SELF-CONTROL. I think it starts getting taught to humans when they are young. But, I don't know who taught Mr. Jerky, I mean Mr. Bruce when he was young. Maybe he needs to be taught now!
Good Day!!!
January 14, 2008
9:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
cruzaroni writes:
Isn't Doug Bruce's "reasoning" the same logic used by road-ragers?
I'd like to say that it's the same brand of idiocy that landed us in Iraq, but that's a TINY BIT of a stretch.
I wish the photographer would drag Bruce into court for physical assault, so a judge could explain to him exactly what he did wrong. Any third grade teacher could explain that you don't touch another person for any reason.
Who made Doug Bruce the teacher or boss? What a disgusting, arrogant, pompous lout. He's a real boon to non-Republicans everywhere. The best thing Republicans did was vote to boot him if he didn't swear in (but putting him in the position of being sworn in was stupid to begin with).
January 14, 2008
10:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
plotz writes:
I guess there is not enough action at the Capitol lately and the RMN needs filler to even put this online, in print whatever. If anyone (which includes Bruce) tells someone (like a Photographer) not to do something before and they keep doing it...well, in the Bruce "attack" case...that person deserves it. Also, watching the video, Bruce was quite civil and restrained about it as it could have been worse. Personally, I do not like my picture being taken...and if I were in Bruce's place, I would have waited until after the ceremony was over...and then ask the Photographer what is his major malfunction? Are you deaf...or a combination of arrogance and stupidity? Then make motions as a State rep to place restrictions and decorum on the media.
January 14, 2008
10:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
Blink writes:
John Temple
When your photographers act like they work for the Enquirer they get what they deserve. It is obvious to me by the stories I have read in the News over the years that Bruce is a unique individual and it is easy for the media to push his buttons. Your staff and others seem to take pleasure in taunting him to make a story out of nothing. I am glad I am not in his position with the media vultures waiting to pounce on anything that moves. This is just another example of using freedom of the press as an excuse for going to far to get a headline story. I can certainly understand why celebrities would want to shove a paparazzi camera that is intruding in their lives where the sun doesn’t shine.
January 15, 2008
7:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
joedziner writes:
I think the photographer got what he deserved. In fact, I think the editor who defended his actions deserves a kck somewhere else for allowing such rude disrespect by one of his employees. I don't know anything about Bruce, or the Rocky Mountain newspaper, but I do understand common courtesy and respect, and this photographer showed neither.
The photographer has the right to be present and there are no rules regarding when he may take photos, BUT, he used extremely poor judgement in not allowing Bruce the privacy we should all respect during someone's prayer time.
January 15, 2008
8:16 a.m.
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ThomasMc writes:
This is how born-again Christians pray. By physically attacking others.
January 15, 2008
10:43 a.m.
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rg writes:
Jesus' fanclub attribute words uttered by him to pray in your closet lest you be judged a hypocrite. Deicide Richard Grimes, http://www.geocities/r22037/think/html
Deicide Corner: “. . . there is nothing, I think, so odious as the whitewashed outside of a specious zeal; as those downright imposters, those bigots whose sacrilegious and deceitful grimaces impose on others with impunity, and who trifle as they like with all that mankind holds sacred; those men who, wholly given to mercenary ends, trade upon godliness, and would purchase honour and reputation at the cost of hypocritical looks and affected groans; who, seized with strange ardour, make use of the next world to secure their fortune in this; who, with great affectation and many prayers, daily preach solitude and retirement while they themselves live at Court; who know how to reconcile their zeal with their vices; who are passionate, revengeful, faithless, full of deceit, and who, to work the destruction of a fellow-man, insolently cover their fierce resentment with the cause of Heaven.”
-- Moliere
January 15, 2008
11:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
rg writes:
Did I hear Bruce use a the double-negative "irregardless" while viewing the video tape? If so, he is not suited for public office.
January 15, 2008
11:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
LS writes:
"In 21 years, I don't think there has ever been an instance where I had to do something to stop somebody from behaving in such a coarse and disgusting way," Bruce said.
I don't believe a word of it.
What he did was coarse and disgusting, the only truth evident in that statement, to be sure. Imagine somebody with as little self-control, trying to make decisions for us in government. Lucky us. Not.
January 15, 2008
2:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
native writes:
For Blink-poor Doug Bruce; he was goaded into poor behavior; why the justification? Bruce has haunted Colorado Springs, and embarrassed them for years with his holier than thou, angry demeanor; he was even fighting with city council members after nutty conservatives barely got him in office; if you want to feel sorry for him, I guess that's your God-given right, especially since Bruce is so into his religion.
January 20, 2008
11:35 a.m.
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AbleGoodman writes:
I don't quite understand all the anti-Bruce whiners. By definition, isn't everyone who wants to possess the One Ring of human-pecking-order (aka "government") Power to run other people's lives personality disordered? What's the big beef about Bruce? Seems to me he fits right in with the other arrogant narcissists. Just because most of the others are a little slicker, how does that merit front-page news status? I don't get it.