Democratic Rep. Daphne Campbell seeks public apology from some party members
Democratic Rep. Daphne Campbell said recently at a press conference in Florida that she is demanding a public apology from fellow Democratic Rep. Scott Randolph and House Minority leader Ron Saunders for alleged bullying and chauvinist attacks after she supported a pro-life bill.
Randolph denied the accusations, while some House Democrats said the accusations are exaggerated. A Florida Channel video was shown in Randolph’s defense. However, in the video Randolph is seen talking to Campbell, but the camera then cuts away. Later, Randolph is seen walking away, Times/Herald Tallahassee reported.
Rep. Geraldine Thompson, in Randolph’s defense, said “If there would have been very loud and aggressive behavior, I would have heard it,” according to the Times/Herald Tallahassee. Randolph did admit that he threw some of Campbell’s papers and pen in the trash can, which he said were on his desk, the Times/Herald Tallahassee said.
Pam Olsen of the International House of Prayer in Tallahassee said in the press conference that she witnessed the event from the gallery and saw firsthand “the intimidation from leaders of [Campbell’s] party,” and saw Campbell being spoken to in a way that was “traumatic.” Olsen’s statement is at 8:55 on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS8q3DwRTWg.
A number of House Democrats told media members that they support Campbell, and added that the party must move on together as a group, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Campbell, a Florida State House Representative, said during the press briefing, “I am a Democrat and I am proud to be a Democrat and no Democrat should be treated like this,” according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The incident, which occurred in the freshman rep’s first legislative session, was caused when the Ultrasound Bill was up for debate. Campbell, who works as a nurse and is married with five children, passionately supported the bill which necessitates
ultrasounds before abortions, Charisma News said.
In supporting the bill Campbell quoted the book of Ezekiel and cited the biblical commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.” At this, Republicans in the Florida House gave her a standing ovation, Charisma News reported.
After the vote Randolph, whose assigned seat is next to hers, threw papers on her desk, tossed her pen in the trash, called her a traitor and said he would find someone to take her place in 2012, the Times/Herald Tallahassee said.
Campbell said, “I was the victim of an altercation by my fellow state representative, Scott Randolph. Several items were thrown in my face, foul language was used against me, and I was insulted and ridiculed in front of all my colleagues. I was called a ‘traitor’ and was told that I was going to be kicked out of office next year,” Charisma News reported.
Randolph’s supporters include Equality Florida and Planned Parenthood, according to Charisma news. Campbell has the backing of several Christian leaders who support a number of abortion-related bills that are before the Legislature, the Orland Sentinel said.
Randolph told Campbell, “You are a traitor. … I swear, you will not be re-elected. I will get an opponent,” to which Campbell replied, “You have no right. God put me here,” according to Charisma News.
Bill Warren of the Florida Family Policy Council said he personally witnessed the entire incident. He told LifeSiteNews, “Democrats are now harassing [Campbell] with needless questions on all of her bills and attempting to defeat even simple, noncontroversial bills.”
John Stemberger, president of Florida Family Policy Council told LifeSiteNews, “I spoke to Rep. Daphne Campbell by phone and personally thanked her and told her she is to be applauded for standing alone within her party in support of the weakest and most vulnerable members of society– the unborn.”