Florida Senators nearly come to blows
03/08/2012
"You little shit, I'm going to whip your ass and throw you out of the Senate right now." - June 1, 1981.
One of the journalism phrases that should be edited out of news stories is "in recent memory." Usually that just means the memory of the writer.
Some folks in Tallahassee say the feuding in the state Senate this year is the worst "in recent memory." They need longer memories.
You know things have gotten ugly when the Senate President and its most powerful member nearly get into a fist fight on the Senate floor.
In June 1981, Senate President W.D. Childers and Senate kingmaker Dempsey Barron got into a very personal quarrel. The two North Florida men had been roommates and friends. But that all ended once W.D. became president and made the mistake of thinking he was really in charge.
Barron began plotting an overthrow and Childers - nicknamed the Banty Rooster - grew increasingly paranoid. Barron would wander around the chamber whispering to other senators and giving public hints that a vote to oust Childers could come at any time.
Childers began to think Barron was making his move on June 1, 1981. Childers, who had been roaming the floor, suddenly rushed to the podium, grabbed the gavel and ordered an immediate recess. Barron stood up and suggested that one of his senate buddies take over as presiding officer.
Childers ignored Barron and ordered the recess. Seconds later Childers charged down the center aisle to confront Barron
Barron, who towered over Childers, looked at Childers and said: "You little shit, I'm going to whip your ass and throw you out of the Senate right now."
"You're going to do what?" replied Childers as he lunged toward Barron.
Sen. Edgar Dunn quickly stepped between the two men, put his hands on Childers shoulders and tried to lead him away. Childers tried to spin away but Dunn, with the help of Sen. Pete Skinner, was able to restrain Childers.
Later, Childers said he wanted Barron to repeat his comment, "to make sure I didn't need a hearing aid."
Childers didn't need one. He heard it right the first time.
In the picture above, Dunn is wearing glasses. His hands are on Childers who has his back to the camera. Barron is facing Childers their noses just inches apart.
I wondering what color Childers' coat and tie were that day.
Posted by: Dave Trotter | 03/08/2012 at 07:20 PM