The "Fruitcake" Takes a Punch in House Melee

Partisan fighting takes on new meaning as two congressmen square off

In this corner, Fortney Pete Stark The battle between Republicans and Democrats took a nasty turn when two congressional rivals squared off at a Ways and Means Committee meeting this week. The altercation erupted after one congressman called the other a "fruitcake."

The day began with the gaveling of the meeting to order by Committee Chair Bill Thomas (R-Cal.). That's when Democrats, unhappy with the agenda being forced upon them by the Republican majoritiy, staged a walkout. One by one, the Democrats left the meeting room to reconvene in another room down the hall.

Then, the commotion began. Rep. Stark remained behind to talk to the Republicans on the committee. Sensing he was being challenged by one of the Republicans, Rep. Scott McInnis (R-Col.), Stark said: "You little wimp. Come on, come over here. I dare you."

Powder Puff McInnis and a Fruitcake McInnis replied by saying to Stark, "No, and you can't make me." An infuriated Stark then said, "You little fruitcake. I said you are a fruitcake."

McInnis became visibly upset at that point and ran from the room. Some believe that the "fruitcake" reference may have hit a little too close to home.

Rep. Thomas later stated, "Stark was way out of line. Sure, he's a 71-year-old guy, but picking on a guy like McInnis? Come on."

Surrounded by his Republican colleagues, McInnis, whose nickname is the "powder puff," defended his behavior.

"He threatened me in front of everyone. I could have defended myself if I had been forced to. I would have scratched his eyes out, maybe even pulled his hair," said McInnis.

In what may or may not prove to be the final word on the story, Stark has challenged McInnis to a boxing match in the congressional exercise room.

"Just a friendly little match to show there are no hard feelings," joked Stark, "and so I can knock the little fruitcake on his wimpy little rear end."

There's been no word yet on whether McInnis will accept the challenge from his 71-year-old rival but Republicans seem anxious to put the incident -- and the challenge -- behind them.

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