Colorado lawmaker kicks photographer who took his picture during statehouse prayer

By STEVEN K. PAULSON
Associated Press Writer
DENVER (AP) — Carrying a family Bible, a state representative-elect kicked a photographer who took a picture of him during a statehouse prayer — then was sworn into office.
Douglas 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.
"Don’t do that again," Bruce told him.
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."
Rocky Mountain News Editor John Temple said the photographer had a right to take Bruce’s picture. Temple said he would speak 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, an anti-tax crusader, was chosen by El Paso County Republicans last month to fill an unexpired term. He delayed his swearing-in until Monday, when the House was not in session. 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 irritated Democratic House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, who said Bruce should have taken the oath sooner.
Bruce said he had done nothing wrong and demanded that he be allowed to take the oath of office with the House in session.
He 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.