Rep. Maurice Hinchey, who suddenly finds himself in the GOP’s crosshairs, had a heated exchange with a local reporter at last night’s debate that became physical before the congressman disengaged and walked away, according to witnesses.
The incident between the veteran Democratic congressman and William J. Kemble, a correspondent for The Kingston Freeman, took place shortly before Hinchey squared off against his GOP opponent, George Phillips, at a League of Women Voters debate in Saugerties.
Kemble was asking Hinchey questions about a local development project in which the congressman reportedly has a financial interest and for which he has also secured $800,000 worth of federal funding. Hinchey has previously insisted his only involvement in the project is as a partial owner of the land where it will be built.
Full story: Hinchey Tangles With Reporter