This makes me really sad: State Senator Faces Lewd Conduct Allegations

[cali]

BURLINGTON, Vt. - WPTZ.com

A longtime state lawmaker and current candidate for Vermont lieutenant governor has been accused of masturbating in the locker room at the Burlington YMCA.

The claims, unearthed by Seven Days columnist Shay Totten, come from YMCA patron Tiki Archambeau, who told News Channel 5, he saw Sen. Ed Flanagan masturbating on a bench in the men's wellness center -- an adults-only area of the YMCA locker room.


Archambeau said he and another patron saw Flanagan masturbating Friday on a bench between the YMCA sauna and nearby showers.

"Frankly I'm kind of offended at seeing that in the Y. I don't think that's right," said Archambeau.

According to Flanagan, the accusation is completely false and on Wednesday, he dismissed the claim but did offer an apology.

"If I did anything to offend anybody, I'm very sorry," said Flanagan.

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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32201629/ns/local_news-plattsburghburlington_nyvt/

Here's some background. Ed Flanagan was the first openly gay individual in the U.S. elected to statewide office. He's a great guy. What the article doesn't mention is that Flanagan has a traumatic brain injury. He suffered a horrendous car accident a few years back and spent 6 months in the hospital. His car went off the highway near Burlington in winter and landed in a ravine. He spent 18 hours suspended upside down, unconsious, in freezing weather, before he was found.

There have been reports for some time about his bizarre behavior, but this looks to be a real career killer. I hope it's not true.

[hlthe2b]

1. Behavioral changes, including impulse control issues...

are not uncommon following brain injury. Sad... You should try to get the media to cover this aspect.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Maybe bad taste but what harm was done?

[cali]

4. the harm is to his own career

[dipsydoodle]

3. Another link here

Also, in fairness to readers who are just tuning into this story, Seven Days' lead source ........... was quoted saying "I don't have any political reason for coming forward. . . I'm not out to bring the guy down". That may be true. It also might not be the whole story. Mr......... after all, when last we heard from him, was posting here on GMD claiming, among other things, that " were principled in the first place, you wouldn't be a Dem." Mr. .......... may not be out to bring down one particular Democrat, but he has no trouble implying to others that Democrats do not have principles.

http://www.greenmountaindaily.com/

I'd say "I don't have any political reason for coming forward. . ." is complete bollocks. I trust that the "YMCA patron" who reported this also charged with having a stupid fucking name.

[Saturday]

5. Come on, Ed Flanagan's behavior is not acceptable.

If he were an R you'd be having different feelings I suspect. We need to judge on the same level.

[cali]

6. I didn't say this was or wasn't acceptable. I don't know that it's true.

I do know that he's a wonderful person and a true progressive. If it is true, it's because of his TBI. That may not make it acceptable but it sure as fuck makes it understandable.