According to a new piece in Politico, Florida Rep. Alan Grayson's ex-wife filed multiple police reports against him during a two-decade period alleging that he had physically abused her. Lolita Grayson provided Politico with copies of those reports, which recount incidents ranging from 1994 through 2014 in both Virginia and Florida. Alan Grayson, who was never arrested or charged, denied the accusations, calling his former spouse "disturbed." The Graysons' eldest daughter, Skye, also issued a statement defending her father claiming her mother had "physically lashed out" at her family.
But despite his attempt at pushback, Grayson made things much worse on Tuesday when he showed up at Politico's lounge at the Democratic National Convention and blew up at reporter Edward-Isaac Dovere, who tried to question him about his ex-wife's charges. In an extremely tense encounter captured on video, Grayson bodily shoved Dovere out of his way while loudly claiming that Dovere had in fact pushed him. The video, however, indisputably shows that the much larger Grayson, who menacingly pressed himself against Dovere and pointed a finger in his face, is full of shit.
Grayson then declared that Dovere was "assaulting a member of Congress," said he'd turn over copy of the video to the Capitol police, and as he walked into an elevator to leave, finished by saying, "I'm hoping somebody comes here and arrests you." To Dovere's tremendous credit, he continued to question Grayson throughout his outburst, asking him whether it was hypocritical for him to act so dismissively toward his ex-wife's accusations after having berated the media for supposedly ignoring similar allegations about his Republican opponent in 2012, attorney Todd Long.
Grayson, of course, did not answer, but at some point, he'll have to address the matter. Lolita Grayson's allegations would have been troubling enough on their own, but Grayson's explosion at Dovere only ensures that this story will get even more attention.
And whatever Grayson might say next, two progressive groups that had endorsed his bid for Senate have already heard enough. Both Democracy for America and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee withdrew their backing from the congressman, specifically citing Lolita Grayson’s accusations of abuse, and they called on Grayson to donate contributions from DFA and PCCC members to a charity for victims of domestic violence. Grayson faces Rep. Patrick Murphy, who has the backing of President Obama and other members of the Democratic leadership, in the Aug. 30 primary.