News from Planet IOKIYAR

Okay, is this the Alabama Senate floor or a playground?

Republican state senator who punched a Democratic lawmaker in the head expressed regret, saying "that's not the way grown men solve their problems," but he said he won't immediately apologize.

Republican Sen. Charles Bishop claimed that Democratic Sen. Lowell Barron called him a "son of a (expletive)" in the Senate chamber on Thursday.

"I responded to his comment with my right hand," Bishop said.

Alabama Public Television tape captured the punch.

"I was raised in the woods of Arkansas and people don't say that about your mom," Bishop said.

Excuses excuses. "Son of a bitch" is just a common term of derision, Senator. He was not trying to dis your mother. Try again.

Barron denied saying that to Bishop. He said the Jasper senator used an expletive to him and he was trying to get away when he was hit by Bishop on the side of the head near an ear. He said he had not decided if he would file charges.

"I would like to finish today in a productive manner. I will evaluate the situation tomorrow on what I may do," Barron said Thursday.

After the punch, Barron went into a closed-door meeting with other Democrats. Sen. Vivian Figures went into the meeting carrying first aid supplies, but she said he was not hurt.

Oh, brother. File charges, dude. If you think that's going too far, then he should be censured by the Senate. Sheesh. If Pat Leahy can keep his cool while being told to go bleep himself by the freaking VEEP, then Senator Bishop can keep his hands to himself when speaking with his colleagues.

Best quote:

Members of the Alabama House said the incident makes the entire Legislature look bad.

"It's certainly a black eye on the Legislature and the Senate in particular," Republican Rep. Jay Love said.