A Vermont Republican lawmaker was caught on hidden camera repeatedly pouring water on a Democratic lawmaker’s tote bag and issued an awkward apology on the House floor Monday.
State Rep. Mary Morrissey said she was “truly embarrassed” by the childish way she targeted State Rep. Jim Carroll, who has handled wet plastic bags multiple times over the past few months, an act Carroll called “tormenting.”
“I offer my sincere apologies directly and publicly to Jim and will work toward resolution and repair through the legislative process,” Morrissey said before lawmakers.
“This is the most unbecoming behavior I could have ever expected as a representative and as a person, and does not reflect the 28 years of service and courtesy I have cherished toward my colleagues.”
The Republican lawmaker then pleaded with his colleagues, congressional staff and the people of Vermont to forgive him for his “error of judgment.”
According to local reports, Carroll offered the low-key apology after using a hidden $23 spy camera to film Morrissey, 67, pouring water into a bag hanging on a hook outside the committee room. Seven Days reported.
Morrissey reportedly reported the prank, which was caught on tape in March, to House Speaker Jill Krowinski, who then confronted him.
Video of the bizarre act obtained by Seven Days can be seen as Morrissey walks quickly and pours a glass of water into the bag.
Carroll, 62, also spoke on the issue on the House floor, saying she felt Morrissey spoke with sincerity but stressed: “I’ve been living through this for five months.”
“And every time I’ve gone through this, Councilwoman Morrissey has had to make a choice, and every time she’s either let it go or she comes to me and says she’s sorry,” he continued.
“It was a pain,” he said of the relentless prank. “There’s no doubt about it.”
The bag wetting incidents began two or three times a week in January and February and became almost daily after he returned to work after undergoing rehabilitation following a DUI arrest.
Both council members represent the town of Bennington, which has a population of about 16,000.
With post wire
