Paul backer says sorry for scuffle

— A volunteer with Rand Paul’s Republican U.S. Senate campaign apologized Tuesday for stepping on the head of a liberal activist who tried to confront the Tea Party candidate with a fake award.

Paul supporter Tim Profitt said video of the scuffle made it appear worse than it was, and he chided police for not stepping in.

Lexington Division of Police spokesman Sherelle Roberts said Tuesday that officers will deliver a summons to Profitt to appear in court. A judge will determine whether to proceed with anassault case.

Lauren Valle, the 23-yearold activist with the group MoveOn.org, said her face was swollen and her neck and shoulder were sore after she was wrestled to the ground by Paul supporters Monday night before a debate between the Tea Party favorite and Democrat Jack Conway.

Valle was roughed up as she tried to give Paul a fake “employee of the month” award. She told police that she was assaulted while trying to take a picture with Paul.

Paul’s campaign dropped Profitt as campaign coordinator in Bourbon County in central Kentucky and bannedhim from future events.

Profitt said the fight never would have occurred if police officers had intervened earlier, adding that Paul supporters told officers that the liberal activist was in the crowd.

Paul campaign manager Jesse Benton said Profitt’s actions were unacceptable and would not be tolerated.

“The Paul campaign has disassociated itself with the individual who took part in this incident, and once again urges all activists - on both sides - to remember that their political passions should never manifest themselves in physical altercations of any kind.”

Front Section, Pages 2 on 10/27/2010

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