The Connecticut Speaker of the House said he scolded lawmakers about indulgent alcohol consumption at the Capitol, but even after that, state Rep. Robin Comey, who was singled out after a legislative session last week was scuttled when she struggled to speak on her bill which advocated for early childhood education services. She apologized, saying a combination of anxiety, exhaustion and wine at dinner was to blame for her inability to carry on. and said in an email statement: "This type of behavior is not typical for me," Comey said. "I take full responsibility for my error in judgment."
The Speaker said he was not going to "downplay" the incident.
"I have on multiple occasions had to talk to the caucus or individuals in my office. There are lines you cannot cross and if somebody ever left this building and injured somebody or themselves, I can't even begin to think about what those consequences would be, and I don't want them to happen on our watches in leadership," Ritter said. "To say that this is being taken seriously is an understatement."
Comey said that while she was speaking on the bill, of which she is a primary author, that she "suddenly and unexpectedly began to feel unwell."
In a press event, Ritter said while the "incidents are a little more isolated, maybe not as widespread as some might think," nonetheless, it's expected that lawmakers act as "adults, to understand the consequences of their decisions."
Comey addressed her constituents:
"I will continue fighting for you with the same responsibility, respect and commitment as always," she said, noting she was "grateful for your understanding and support."
This is pretty embarrassing. Here is the video: