Congressman Filner enters trespassing plea in airport incident

By: ERICA WERNER - Associated Press | Monday, November 26, 2007 7:40 PM PST ∞

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., entered a plea days before he was set for trial on assault and battery charges over allegations he pushed a United Airlines baggage employee at Dulles International Airport.

At a hearing in Loudoun County's General District Court on Monday, Filner entered a so-called Alford plea to trespassing, according to a statement issued through his attorney. That means he did not admit guilt, but acknowledged sufficient evidence exists for a conviction.

He was fined $100, according to the court clerk.

Filner was accused in the Aug. 19 incident of trying to barge past a female baggage worker into an employee-only area after his bags were delayed. He was set for trial Dec. 4.

The baggage worker, Joanne Kay Kunkel, alleged in a criminal complaint that Filner shoved past other customers, screamed at employees and repeatedly pushed at her. He yelled "You can't stop me," according to her complaint.

Filner apologized in a statement Monday but denied any physical violence.

"At the time, it wouldn't have occurred to me that entering an airport office under these circumstances would be considered trespassing. But I understand now that, since I was told to stay out, it can be considered trespass. That's why I'm entering what I understand is called an Alford plea: I did, in fact, go back there," Filner said.

"I want to make clear that I did not strike, push, or shove anyone," he said. "It's very important to me that the record be clear on this point. Nor did I seek any sort of special treatment because I was a congressman."

Filner is in his eighth term representing California's 51st Congressional District that borders Mexico. He chairs the Veterans Affairs Committee.

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Billy wrote on Nov 26, 2007 10:45 PM: We can expect our senators and Representatives to be human and occasionally make mistakes. And it should be a mark against them in their jacket. However, we must expect top performance from the since we pay them top wages, medical, and retirement. I believe on that note that we should do random drug checks in both houses. Each state and district should have supernumeraries standing by to take over. If a member of congress is found to be on drugs of any kind that member should receive an automatic suspension and replacement. From the beginning, they should sign an agreement to that effect. If they refuse they can go home.

Karl wrote on Nov 27, 2007 8:25 AM:To take it a step further, the supernumeraries should be a member of another party. This might keep them in line, what am I thinking, nothing will keep these elitist inline.

Jerry wrote on Nov 27, 2007 9:04 AM:We all know that Bob is innocent..his

Jerry wrote on Nov 27, 2007 9:07 AM:We all know that Bob is innocent..his spokesperson said so. So why didn't he go to trial to prove his innocence?..and these pols wonder why their approval rating is in the toilet Hey Bob, I hate to tell you this but your ... stinks just like the rest of us common folks.

Karl wrote on Nov 27, 2007 9:49 AM:Whatever happened to Louisiana democrat William Jefferson? Since I've heard nothing for a while I am assuming it is normal for our representatives to hide 90k in their freezers.

bob wrote on Nov 27, 2007 11:53 AM:More special treatment for the priviledged. And no way should we believe he didn't want special treatment. Of course he did...and still does. He just doesn't want to be caught saying it in public. And yes ...he's guilty ...he just wants this to go away before too much noise is made and too many people find out about his mis-behavior. On the bright side ... at least he wasn't taking a "wide stance" in this matter.

Concerned-1 wrote on Nov 27, 2007 12:51 PM:Is anyone surprised by this? Career politicians are in a class by themselves. (Not a good class)

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