Two Missouri Democrats got into a brawl outside a Jefferson City restaurant last week, because one of them was upset about the other’s support for a right-to-work bill limiting union powers. According to Rep. Courtney Allen Curtis, Rep. Michael Butler verbally confronted him about his support during an AFL-CIO reception on Jan. 19. Later on, Butler allegedly took a swing at Curtis in the alley as he was leaving. Curtis fought back and a fight ensued. Via the NY Post:
Curtis said he wasn’t drinking at the time of the altercation. He said he sustained cuts and bruises to his ear, the inside of his lip and the side of his temple.
Curtis released a copy of the restraining order that he filed against Butler. He also filed a House ethics complaint against him. Both of the lawmakers are from the St. Louis area.
Curtis was the only Democrat in September to vote with Republicans to make Missouri a right-to-work state. The House still fell significantly short of the votes needed to override Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto.
“Our political stances shouldn’t ever result to having violent actions taken against us,” Curtis said. Butler had no comment.
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