Rep Tim Burchett (R-TN) claims Rep. Kevin McCarthy demonstrated behavior unbecoming of his office when he “deliberately elbowed him in a congressional hallway,” according to Fox News
Burchett, who shared in leading efforts to unseat McCarthy from his position as Speaker of the House, reportedly referred to McCarthy’s actions as a “cheap shot from behind.”
Burchett declared the contact was intentional: “It was 100% on purpose,” Burchett recalled, claiming the unexpected bump forced him to fall forward. “And what are the chances? 435 members of Congress. Eight of us voted against him… I’m one of them that did it.”
Soon after the incident occurred, Burchett spoke with reporters on Capitol Hill and expressed his frustration with McCarthy.
McCarthy indicated the contact was accidental and occurred when walking through a crowded hallway.
Burchett disagreed, saying, “There’s 435 [members of Congress]. I was one of the eight that voted against him. That hallway, there’s plenty of room. You can walk forward side by side, he chose to do what he did,” Burchett said. “I feel sorry for him, and I pray for him every day. You might not believe that, but I do, and I hope he finds some happiness in his life.”
“You don’t expect that sort of thing from an adult, certainly not one who was once third in line for the White House,” Burchett complained.
In recalling what happened, Burchett told reporters he believed McCarthy’s actions ere “deliberate.”
Doubling down, Burchett added: “I’ll take a polygraph test. And have Kevin take a polygraph test,” he told reporters.
“[The polygraph tests will show] it was deliberate,” Burchett continued.
“It was just a cheap shot by a bully,” Burchett added.
When asked if the representative would file an ethics complaint, Burchett indicated he would not take further action against McCarthy, adding cryptically that the former speaker would likely “cash in” after Christmas.
When pressed for clarification, Burchett explained: “I don’t think it’s OK. These ethics complaints go on for years, and he’s going to be out of here after Christmas. Like I said, he has $17 million and a security detail, and he’ll still be a bully.”
Burchett shared that Republicans in the House are divided, but noted it has long been that way, saying: “It’s just like it’s always been. We’re not having duels out here. … They’ve had duels in the past and fistfights and everything else. It’s just human nature.”
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