The Knucklehead of the Day award

Today's winner is Congressman Bob Filner. He gets the award for the following.

U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.) has been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery for allegedly pushing an airline employee at Dulles International Airport on Sunday during a dispute over baggage, authorities said.

Filner, who represents the San Diego area, "attempted to enter an area authorized for airline employees only" while in the United Airlines baggage claim office and "pushed aside the employee's outstretched arm and refused to leave the area when asked by an airline employee," according to a Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police statement.

Filner had exited the office and was waiting near the baggage carousel when police arrived about 6 p.m. He was released after he and witnesses were interviewed, airport police said.

The female airline employee, whom police did not identify, appeared before a Loudoun County magistrate that evening, and Filner was charged with assault and battery. If convicted, Filner faces up to 12 months in jail and up to a $2,500 fine under Virginia law.

Police said the employee did not require medical attention.

Filner disputed the account in a brief statement issued by his office. "Congressman Bob Filner is on his way to Iraq, visiting our troops, and will have a full statement when he returns. Suffice it to say now, that the story that has appeared in the press is factually incorrect -- and the charges are ridiculous," the statement says.

An airline employee calls the cops because of your behavior. Then you get charged with assault and battery. The only ridiculous thing I hear is a Congressman acting like a spoiled brat. Congressman Bob Filner will almost certainly get nothing more than a wrist slap from the courts, but from TFM he earns today's Knucklehead of the Day award.

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