More evidence that the GOP is increasingly being defined in the media by fringe actors and cowboys.
Idaho GOP leader, Challis McAffee, is District 16 chairman from the Boise suburb of Garden City. He's also a member of the Idaho Republican Central Committee and a tea party activist. McAffee has been charged with felony aggravated assault for pointing a .357 Magnum handgun at a 51 year old homeowner, Robert Lutes.
This move wasn't just over-the-top, it was illegal in more ways than one. Ada County's Sheriff's spokeswoman, Andrea Dearden, said Friday that McAffee doesn't have a license to carry a concealed weapon.
McAffee was taking photographs of Lutes' home as part of a foreclosure investigation. When Lutes understandably became upset and wanted to find out why some dude was snapping pics of his house, McAffee retrieved the Magnum from the floor of his truck and pointed it at the resident.
Lutes: "I'm unarmed, I'm an old man. I''m trying to find out why he's taking pictures of my house. I said, 'Knock on my door, let me know what you want.' Then, I think he's reaching for his business card and he pulls out a concealed weapon and I think he's going to blow my head off."
Wells Fargo contractor, Tony Schewmaker, hired McAffee for the investigation, and has been complaining that "we can't use a gun for our own protection."
Schewmaker's complaints don't jibe with comments by Wells Fargo. A spokesperson said "Mr. McAffee's behavior is horrific and absolutely inexcusable. Our policy is to ensure that our customers, including those in financial distress, are always treated respectfully and with dignity. We have already begun to look into this with our contractor to make sure they are reinforcing these policies."
It's kind of ironical that a teabagger is engaged in helping the banks throw people out of their homes. Hiring 'contract employees' is a handy way for corporations to minimize their liabilities - except of course when contract help start behaving like gunslingers.
A friend of McAffee claims that producing the weapon was an attempt to 'de-escalate' the situation. It seems more like escalation. McAffee must be easily spooked. You generally lower tensions in a situation like this by backing off and showing some respect for the homeowner.
After the arrest McAffee was held in Ada County jail. He was released on Thursday when family members and friends posted a portion of the $50,000 bond.
No word if the jail served regular black tea... or possibly Orange Pekoe with a twist of lemon.
More details from Think Progress - here.
Crooks and Liars - here.
