(Updated) Steny Hoyer Accused of ‘Knuckle Punching’ GOP Opponent
- Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:08am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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When Maryland Republican Charles Lollar, who‘s challenging Democrat House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer in the state’s 5th district, finished a debate last week, he couldn’t believe his ears. “I’m coming after you,” Hoyer turned to him and said twice, according to Lollar. Now new accusations have emerged alleging the comment was more than an empty threat.
The controversy centers around a raucous debate between Lollar and Hoyer at a Chamber of Commerce candidate forum on October 12. According to a Lollar spokesperson, who spoke to somd.com, Lollar answered a question about the budget by reminding the audience that “Congress holds the purse string,“ and then called Hoyer irresponsible for refusing ”to even pass a budget for this year for the first time in several years.”
Somd.com explains what happened next:
Immediately after the exchange, Hoyer turned to Lollar and said, “I’m coming after you,” according to a press release issued by the Lollar campaign this morning. “When Lollar brushed aside the challenge with a smile, Hoyer then repeated it.” Lollar spokesperson Patt Parker told somd.com that Hoyer made this comment after the microphones had been turned off.
A Hoyer spokesperson denies the allegations. And while Hoyer can be seen mouthing multiple words to Lollar in the video of the exchange below (starting at about 4:20), it’s unclear exactly what was said:
The story, unfortunately, doesn’t end with allegations of threats. At a press conference on Tuesday, Lollar explained that Hoyer actually “punched” the Republican challenger at the Chamber forum — twice. He was responding to a question from an eye witness who claims to have seen Hoyer “knuckle punch” Lollar:
Lollar, a veteran, said that the actions were an example of “desperate measures” and then joked: “If I were to pick a fight with anyone it wouldn’t be a marine.”
Still, he says he harbors no ill will toward Hoyer: “I simply believe that sometimes you just have a tendency of staying in places too long. You feel betrothed to certain positions of power and you forget where you’ve come from.”
According to a follow-up story on somd.com, via Gateway Pundit, the Lollar campaign does not know the person who asked the question, and Hoyer’s campaign again denies the allegation.
Two currently available videos of the exchange neither confirm Lollar’s claims nor exonerate Hoyer. Both videos show a short period of time where someone partially obstructs the candidates, and where punches could have occurred:
Lollar’s campaign office did not immediately return a request seeking clarification and details of the alleged punch.
UPDATE:
Lollar’s Campaign Manager, Mykel Harris, confirmed to The Blaze this afternoon that Hoyer did make contact with Lollar after the event. Harris initially described the contact as a “bump,” but after being pressed on the issue went on to say that Lollar does in fact stand by his description during yesterday’s press conference that the contact was a “punch.”
“There was contact twice,” Harris said. “[Lollar's] standing by that.” However, Harris made it clear that it was a reporter, not Lollar, that described the contact as a “knuckle punch.” He said that while the second bit of contact isn’t clear in the available videos, one can decipher the initial hit (after watching this first video above).
Harris did reveal details regarding Lollar’s meeting with campaign officials in which Lollar disclosed the incident.
“We had a meeting later on that evening,” Harris told The Blaze. After Lollar explained Hoyer’s shocking threat, Harris then quoted Lollar’s description of the contact: “And on top of that, as I’m walking out, he hits me in my back twice. I’m telling you he hit me twice.”
Regarding the race, Harris added: “We’re outnumbered and outresourced. But if we can get our message out we can win.”
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Comments (94)
Contrarianthinker
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 1:11pmLollar speqks very well to the question asked. Why hasn’t the Tea Party endorsed and help fund him??????
Report Post »PowerBilly
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 2:05pmContrarian, I think Lollar is supported by the Tea-Party or at least is a part of the Tea Party element. I was at a open luncheon this week and he spoke to and supports the Tea Party issues. We need about 2 or 3 dozen Charles Lollars in DC.
Report Post »Taquoshi
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:57pmYesterday, I heard a half hour presentation on a Federal program about an aggression training program, which has three components. One of the three deals with controlling anger, and another deals with moral reasoning. Apparently the lower a person’s moral reasoning is the more prone to violence that person is.
If you think about some of the stories that have been on The Blaze in the past week or so, you may find yourself wondering about the moral reasoning levels of many people. I’m not sure whether this is scary or tremendously sad.
Report Post »Contrarianthinker
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 1:13pmI agree that in many ways this has become a tabliod with its stories an adhominun attacks. As I said earlier, we need some moderation of both stories and posts.
Report Post »Taquoshi
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 3:31pmI do think we need to be aware of the rising level of anger and the level of hatred that I see from the progressives, but it’s the physical violence that worries me. You’re right, there are many ad hominum attacks, which don’t help our cause of restoring freedom. It’s that old creative tension between Freedom of Speech and keeping the argument focused on the issues, not the person.
Report Post »Conservative Grinch
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 4:19pmContrarianthinker
Agreed this website could be better.
Report Post »HBO
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:52pmWow, is that Lollar guy just a pure CLASS ACT!!!
Report Post »Chicago Ray
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:51pmMore of that liberal progressive tolerance, they’re really coming unglued all over the place today huh? NPR, this goon, what’s next, a liberal Jihad? Oh wait, Soros started that yesterday.
Report Post »AFPatriot
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:32pmI draw your attention to the 5:14 mark of the video as the two canidates are walking off the stage. Hoyer‘s arm clearly extends froward into Lollar’s back. This motion is not the motion of someone putting an open palm hand on the back of someone.
Report Post »Notorrius
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:30pmI guess I just can’t get over how one side (democrats) can through around stuff and think it will stick. Most americans voting are not on a blog or voicing it out loud. The loudness will happen on Nov 2. We are like a 3 world country when dems get in they want to rebuild everything and play on everyones feelings. Well hate to tell them they went way to far this time americans are mad and fed up with the bullys. Hoyer is just trying to fill Pelosi’s job since we are voting her into her botox world
Report Post »nick e l
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:28pmHoyer really should realize what and who he is dealing with.. This is a former Marine and he will NOT ever back down til his last breath. Something Hoyer would never understand and be able to do.
Report Post »Alvin691
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:13pmWe are their term limits.
Report Post »HUGGINGMYBABIES
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:10pmThey hear the LOUD flushing of the Conservative toilet and they are running scared! Keep ‘em on the ropes!
Report Post »bhelmet
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:02pmThat 2nd video showed ZERO evidence of punches. I have no love or respect for Hoyer, but I hope if his opponent is making the claim it is true, but it didn’t happen in that 30 second clip.
Report Post »Amazona
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:37pmI think the guy on the video means goading. On the end of 1st video you do see him hitting his back and as Lollar declares that Hoyer is telling him that he’s coming after him I think is goading,
Report Post »Ana Romanik
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:00pmI’d be interested to know exactly what the polls are saying about this race… Does anyone have or know where that information can be found?
When was the last time Hoyer faced a real challenge to his seat? I’d imagin this incident is very similar in the reasons behind to that of Barney Frank… I’d guess both their house seats could be in jeporday…
Report Post »aesaac
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:59amCharles is a hell of a gentleman. Lollar is a great candidate. The country has need of such men. A vote for Lollar is a vote for the future of America.
Report Post »David
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:58amI just signed up for The Blaze. This in my opinion is a non-story and holds no value. Cannot confirm or deny? Don’t post headlines about punching and then say this. Your playing with the story. I’m expecting better from you guys. But I will hang in for now.
Report Post »Will NV
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:31pmWhy bother, the loonie left is calling you.
Report Post »Contrarianthinker
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 1:08pmI 1000% agree with you on this being a nonstory. I’ve been here on the Blaze from day one. It’s b become a TABLOID. I wrote to Glenn today asking him to clean up this blog. I suggested that it become moderated both for stories and posts. I volunteered to be an unpaid moderator. Anyone else willing to do this?
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 2:17pmGood luck with hanging in there David!! I will say that it will be an illuminating experience!
Report Post »http://maboulette.wordpress.com
Sledgehammer
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:58amLollar is a better man than I, I’m not sure how would respond to an action like this!
Report Post »Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:47amThat Marine would wipe the floor with the coward Hoyer, in politics and the battlefield. Semper Fi Brother.
Report Post »Gordon Pym
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:05pmJust think of what the MSM would say if that were to happen
Report Post »JSDAMAN
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:46amHoyer is a toadie for Pelosi and Obama. He has no spine and he along with other communists (Democrats) are running scared. What blows my mind is how the people of his district keep re-electing him.
Report Post »oldasdirt
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:46amI have never seen our country so divided.Obama and the libs have done this to our nation.It’s too bad Obama is not going away with the rest of the libs on Nov.2.
Report Post »Revotelution
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:39amGandhi, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”
Report Post »mck05002
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:39amNo offense but Steny, you’re a small frail looking dude, I’m not sure it would be wise to take on Lollar.
Report Post »sdemascio
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:38ami cannot beleive that these Democrats can look you in the eye and blatently lie about what they actually do to usregarding spending. this Loller nailed Hoyer for his “surplus” claim under the Clinton Adminstration…………………….
Report Post »HKS
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:31amLiberalism is without doubt a mental disorder. Maybe science could make a pill for it.
Report Post »Will NV
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:29pmThere is a treatment, an enema.
Report Post »joetrain
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:55pmThat’s odd, being a nursing home nurse I’ve given quite a few of those and they always seem to result in what looks like a little liberal….sometimes they won’t even flush they are so stubborn.
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:30amWhether true or not that Steny actually socked his opponent, Mr. Lollar, the final “KNOCK ON THE HEAD,” figuratively speaking of course, is soon to arrive for Hoyer and his leftist buddies in D.C.
Report Post »firstamend
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:30amThis is silly
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:46amAgreed, we need people to act civilized in these debates and in office, to behave as spoiled children is the surest sign of an undisciplined mind and spirit.
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mix art)
BoilitDown
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:28amWhen Lollar said, “I simply believe that sometimes you just have a tendency of staying in places too long. You feel betrothed to certain positions of power and you forget where you’ve come from.” it goes to the heart of the call for term limits. I’m glad that statement hit the news.
Report Post »Other than that, let me know when they draw blood.
OldFlyGuy
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:46amI have long been an advocate of term limits but recently I’m not sure that is the right answer. There are some (not many) politicians that stick by the conservative principles I believe in. I am beginning to think that term limits is a lazy way to keep people like Hoyer from staying in office longer than they should. It seems that what is happening now is a much better approach. We need to pay attention to what politicians are doing and hold them accountable. If they no longer represent us then vote them out and give someone else a shot. We must maintain a vigil, stay informed and not let things get out of hand in local, state and federal governments as they have.
Report Post »M31Sailor
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:13pmOld
Rather agree with you. How about a max of 3 terms(senate) 5 terms(House)? and a Constitutional amendment for a nationwide “ NO Confidence” vote for a president & VP & sp of the house
Report Post »BoilitDown
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:16pmOLDFLYGUY: I hear you and have considered your point of view. As much as I distrust politicians, I also don’t think I trust the electorate to stay adequately engaged and informed. How do we make that happen to insure that bad representatives get voted out? How do we cull the herd of the ruling class and career politicians when the public becomes too apathetic and neglectful?
Report Post »There are people who, if elected to office, I would gladly want to remain but not at the expense of keeping some who would be detrimental to the country.
It’s just a tough balancing act. I understand your perspective.
OldFlyGuy
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:31pmSailor
At first the no confidence vote resonated with me but then that can cut both ways. France and the UK are trying to scale back some and I was thinking how that would work out for those efforts. I suspect that the more conservative elements would be gone in a heartbeat, especially in France with the howling mobs in the streets. I guess we-the-people need to do a better job vetting our politicians – too bad that the MSM is in the Left’s bag it used to be (also) up to them to do that but not any more. To me this means the extreme PC climate also needs to change. We can’t comment or question policies without being called haters, bigots and racists. How can there possible be a meaningful discussion in this climate? It’s d@mn shame.
Report Post »OldFlyGuy
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:36pmBoilItDown
Good questions but if we don’t do the things that you mention for the devils we know how do we do that with the new batch every few years? I really believe that the only way forward is to make every effort to continue the level of scrutiny we are subjecting politicians to now and hold them accountable for doing the job of representing us that we “hired” them to do. Fail and out
Report Post »OldFlyGuy
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:37pmBoilItDown
Good questions but if we don’t do the things that you mention for the devils we know how do we do that with the new batch every few years? I really believe that the only way forward is to make every effort to continue the level of scrutiny we are subjecting politicians to now and hold them accountable for doing the job of representing us that we “hired” them to do. If we don’t do it, who will?
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 1:30pmWell to boilitdown so to speak. Why not instead of having to impeach them that if a Senator or Congressman/woman starts doing or not doing things that the people don’t want or like. Then the state that they represent have another election and replace them. Then you don’t need term limits. But they don’t get the full term either. Just like a regular job if you don’t do the job or do it right the boss will simply does a Trump on you (YOU’RE FIRED). Simple and they don’t get to pass go and collect the 200.00 dollars.
Report Post »showourstrength
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 1:37pm@Old. The problem has more to do with a disengaged electorate than it does corrupt officials, which is saying something. If anything it really sheds light on why voting was once limited to those who actually had a stake in system. We can‘t expect people who don’t have anything invested to care to do the right thing. The solution of term limits to one degree or another is admittedly a simplistic approach, but we must accept that a dangerous percentage of the population is at the very least detached.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 2:02pmThat’s exactly right. Steny has been in one place way to long! Again people, another perfect example for term limits!! At least let’s have some dialogue on the subject …
Report Post »Docrow
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 3:53pmAs voters we set our own term limits.
Report Post »Danglinbags
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:25amSteny is under a lot of stress. He is insecure of his personal appearance, and is most jealous of Harry Reid’s svelt physique. We need to all join in giving him a break.
Immyfathersservant
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:46amAlways the defense attorney for the left, huh?? 3:1 those bastards are corrupt when compared against (R). The GOP has a couple of doozies also. But, hands down, the Congressional statistics for for democrats and corruption make “John Q Public” look like a saint.
Report Post »ConservativeFeminist
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:47amCharles Lollar is an outstanding candidate and PATRIOT!
Danglinbags – there is NEVER an excuse for violence – that’s why the Tea Party Patriots have chosen the honorable road of peaceful protest as taught by Dr. Martin Luther King.
Report Post »scseahawk
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:59amAnd if Boehner had done this instead of Hoyer, you would have the first post up calling for assault charges to be brought.
Report Post »scuba13
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:08pmdanglingbrains,stupid windmill wants to know what branch of the nut tree are you sitting on? he wants his bong back
Report Post »Independent American
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:16pmDangling,
Report Post »Your comment is a empty as your bags.
NoName22
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 12:27pmLOL @ Danglin
Alot of these people cannot stand you, even when you make remarks that are non-political.
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…………..Did most of us forgive Carl Paladino? I know they were trying to film his kid, which is sickening, but he made a threat. Paladino is also trying to blackmail his opponent with footage of an extramarital affair. Stick to the poltics Carl.
As for Steny, let him swing at a marine. Lollar has probably been shot at, a punch from a grumpy old man is nothing to him.
Report Post »Contrarianthinker
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 1:03pmNOTICE!!! NOTICE!!! Anyone repsonding to any Dangling posts will be taken off the Blaze
Report Post »bimmermatt
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 2:21pmOn the top video at 5:15, watch Hoyers right arm. You can just see it between the suit coats.
Report Post »JesusFreak95
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 4:36pmDanglebags actually said something funny.
Lollar is a good guy, I hope he can pull an upset. Mr. Hoyer has been there too long and obviously feels entitled to be there. That‘s a sure thing it’s time to go.
Report Post »CYCLONE
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 4:48pmI’ll sucker punch the piece of progressive trash myself…
SEMPER FI
Waiting4George
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 4:54pmDang Bags,
Report Post »I see from your photo you are in need of a hiding place from the Michelle Obama Vichy French Fries Gestapo.You maybe haf relatives who vork at Mc Donalds?
Miami
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 7:15pmSo Dangliny
Are you a Marxist…?
Report Post »Huckabee Gingrich 12
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:05pmAm I the only one who gets that Danglin’bags is a different person than Danglingbags? Lighten up people. This guy’s playing with you.
Report Post »fliptailhunter
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:58amWTF are you talking about
Report Post »BoiseBaked
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:12amYeah, Hoyer needs a break. That‘s why I’m sending money to Lollar’s campaign.
Report Post »lewbrown
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 8:49amI plan on giving him a break by voting for Charles Lollar. Time for term limits and Steny is the poster candidate.
Report Post »dominke
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:30amWhat to do for a rabid animal. We would put it to sleep.
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