Bob is busted!

Watson's mug shot

UPDATE: Watson vehemently denies he did anything wrong, although he does admit to trace evidence of pot in his vehicle. He says he passed an alcohol breathalyzer test, though what that has to do with marijuana use escapes me. He says "These events will be addressed fully in the proper legal forum" later. Possible legal defenses: "I didn’t inhale….that wasn’t my dope….FASCISTS!” or, if he wants to use the great defense pioneered by former DC Mayor Marion Barry, "The bitch set me up!"



Rep. Robert Watson, the House Republican leader, was arrested by Connecticut police at a checkpoint in East Haven last night. Watson lives in East Greenwich and his district also includes West Greenwich.

WPRI reports that he was charged with driving under the influence, and for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. East Haven police said the arresting officer reported a "strong odor of marijuana emanating" from Watson's car.

Watson is, in my opinion, one of the worst blowhards in the General Assembly. Now, he's also facing big charges that raise questions about the many times he has risen in the House to attack public workers, the poor, immigrants and others. He created a stir in February with the wisecrack that “I suppose if you are a gay man from Guatemala who likes to smoke pot and gamble, you probably think we’re onto some good ideas here.” This remark drew protests from the array of people Watson sought to offend in one fell swoop.

Personally, I'm looking forward to the inevitable Bob Watson jokes we'll be hearing over the coming days.

Author: Will Collette