Colorado lawmaker kicks off new term . . .

The Associated Press reports that Colorado state Rep.-elect Douglas Bruce kicked Rocky Mountain News photographer Javier Manzano after he snapped a shot of him during Monday morning’s prayer session.

Afterward, Bruce was unapologetic, saying that the photographer needed to learn “manners and decorum” and said that he hoped he learned his lesson. Of course, the law protects Manzano’s right to photograph events on the legislature floor but doesn’t take such a favorable stance on battery. Earlier today, House leaders announced the creation of a special committee to investigate the incident.

Bruce had already gotten off on the wrong foot since being appointed to fill a vacant seat, riling Democrats and Republicans alike after refusing to take his oath of office in order to exploit of a loophole that will allow him to serve up to eight years in office. House Republicans voted 22-1 to kick Bruce out of his position if he was not sworn in by Monday afternoon.