Lee Terry, Jackson go toe-to-toe on House floor

[CatWoman]

WASHINGTON — Nebraska Rep. Lee Terry quickly conceded that his chances of winning a fistfight against Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. would be "zero."

It started when Democrat Jackson said, during a contentious floor debate, that Republicans can't be trusted.

Republican Terry responded by telling Jackson to "shut up," then walked over to add that he had found the Illinois lawmaker's comment inappropriate.

Terry said Jackson let loose a profanity-filled tirade.

"I'm not going to turn with my tail between my legs," Terry said, "so I just stood there."

Then Jackson asked Terry if he'd care to step outside.

Jackson, who could not be reached for comment, is a martial arts enthusiast. Photos on his Web site show him clad in a black fighting outfit, whaling on an opponent. Terry has seen Jackson showing off his moves in the House gym and said he believes that Jackson is a black belt.

The Omahan said he "respectfully declined the request."

"I'd have to say my chances were pretty minimal," Terry said. "I try to keep my sparring verbal."

Eventually, Rep. Steve Rothman, D-N.J., stepped in and suggested that the two head to separate corners to cool off. They did.

The argument came out of a dispute over the process that Democrats are using to push through proposals on children's health insurance. Republicans decided to vent their frustrations Tuesday night by holding up legislation on agriculture spending.

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10093488

[Mythsaje]

1. Republicans CAN'T be trusted...

The truth hurts, doesn't it?

[babylonsister]

2. The adults want to fight over children's health insurance?

How grown-up! (PS Go, JJJ!)