Lobbyist claims local state senator threatened to hit her

State Sen. Joel Anderson, whose district includes Poway, was accused by a female lobbyist of threatening to “bitch slap’’ her and harassing her at a bar in Sacramento last week, it was reported today.

Stephanie Roberson works for the California Nurses Association and filed a complaint with the Senate Rules Committee on Friday against Anderson, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Another lobbyist who told the paper they witnessed the incident said Anderson, R-Alpine, approached Roberson at a fundraiser for another legislator at the Diplomat Steakhouse, across from the state Capitol, and brought up the fact the CNA never endorsed him, the Times said.

At one point in the conversation, the lobbyist claimed Anderson commented on Roberson’s appearance, then threatened to hit her. The witness told The Times Anderson repeatedly told Roberson “You better shut up before I bitch slap you.”

Another witness confirmed that account, the paper said.

Anderson was removed from the restaurant by staff without incident.

On Tuesday, Anderson issued the following statement: “I have the utmost respect for Stephanie and I sincerely regret my word choice that was not directed at her. I welcome the Rules Committee investigation to clear up this misunderstanding.”

Senate Minority Leader Patricia Bates, R-Laguna Beach, declined to comment on the allegations, citing an on-going investigation, the Times reported.

Anderson has represented the San Diego area in the Legislature since being elected to the Assembly in 2006, then moving to the state Senate in 2010.

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