McClintock: Davis Erupted in 'Symphony of Obscenities'

California gubernatorial hopeful Tom McClintock corroborated charges late Monday that incumbent Gov. Gray Davis has a nasty temper and an abusive streak, offering an account that echoes a controversial 1997 report by Jill Stewart in the Los Angeles New Times.

"I can tell you from first-hand experience that Gray Davis is a man who cannot control himself in meetings," McClintock told Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes."

Asked to explain, the California conservative revealed:

"I was in a Republican caucus meeting just a couple of years ago where he erupted into a symphony of obscenities. It was shocking behavior. So I don't doubt those stories at all."

McClintock said that he had "never seen another governor do that," adding, "And I've watched governors under a lot of pressure - I've created a lot of pressure for governors in the past. Never have I seen one behave in that manner."

The conservative Republican said that Davis' meltdown came "with no provocation. He just lost control of himself."

Stewart's New Times report detailed obscenity-laced rages by Davis against staffers, and at least two instances of physical assault against female underlings.

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California Governor's Race

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