December 8, 2003
HIGH TIMES DOWN UNDER
'Drunk' senator in assault claim (BBC, 12/07/03)
An Australian politician is considering his future after allegations he drunkenly assaulted a female senator.Andrew Bartlett, leader of Australia's opposition Democrats party, allegedly shouted obscenities at Liberal Party senator Jeannie Ferris and grabbed her.
The incident took place on the Senate floor in Canberra while it was in session and was partially televised.
Mr Bartlett has since apologised for his actions and has taken indefinite leave to consider his political future.
The argument is said to have begun after Ms Ferris accused Mr Bartlett of stealing several bottles of wine from a Liberal Party Christmas barbecue held in Canberra's Parliament House.
You see the headline and just assume there's a Kennedy involved. Posted by Orrin Judd at December 8, 2003 12:16 AM
Don't forget the other paragon of New England virtue, Chris Dodd.
Posted by: jim hamlen at December 8, 2003 7:13 AM"and has taken indefinite leave to assess his political future."
Seems a bit excessive to me seeing as he should have been able to do it in about all of three seconds. On the other hand, I guess he wouldn't want to be seen as acting rashly or anything....
Posted by: Barry Meislin at December 8, 2003 8:28 AMWhy is it that I must believe that had this happened in the US to "the leader (or any leader) of the opposition Democrats" Terry Mc would want to know first (a) who was the female attacked and (b) what was the senator drinking before rushing to judgement...
Posted by: MG at December 8, 2003 11:09 AMWheras if it had been a legislator attacking an underage girl, we'd think, "Oh, Indiana Republican."
Posted by: Harry Eagar at December 9, 2003 12:39 AMAnd if she were from Wisconsin we'd assume she seduced him.
Posted by: oj at December 9, 2003 8:45 AM