State Senator Says Colleague Punched Him During Debate
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS/WBBM) -- Illinois state politics lived up to its rough-and-tumble nature Tuesday, as a state Senator accused another lawmaker of punching him.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Bernie Tafoya reports, Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) claimed fellow Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-East Moline) punched him in the chest on the floor of the Senate.
The scuffle broke out during the debate on a bill that would allow both ComEd and downstate power company Ameren to raise electric rates.
McCarter says he has filed a police complaint against Jacobs.
McCarter says Jacobs came over to his desk, cursed at him, and then punched him. That was after McCarter had pointed out during debate that Jacobs' father, former state Sen. Denny Jacobs, is a lobbyist for ComEd, and that Jacobs had sponsored the electric rate increase legislation.
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The electric rate increase bill passed the Senate Tuesday by a vote of 30-24, and now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn. Supporters say the plan behind the rate increase would create 2,500 jobs and install "smart meters" in most homes.
The meters could reduce energy costs by more closely linking power production to demand, thereby cutting waste for which ratepayers currently pay.
The bill allows 2.5 percent annual rate increases for the first three years.
Quinn has threatened to veto the bill.
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