Chest-butting episode pits GOP legislator against fellow Republican

The verbal fight over the state budget turned a tad physical Thursday night. Two Republican legislators did a little chest-butting last night before other legislators restrained them. Representative Jamie Van Fossen of Davenport ran to confront Representative Paul Wilderdyke of Woodbine after a bit of a tiff over the proper way to finance the state’s premier economic development program. Van Fossen describes it as a difference of opinion — settled the way guys settle things. “Where did I learn this?” Van Fossen said. “It’s innate.” Wilderdyke, though, is sticking to a different story. “We were just joking around,” Wilderdyke said. “Is that how guys joke around?” asked Radio Iowa news director. “Yea, it was this time,” Wilderdyke replied. Van Fossen laughed. “Families always get into arguments,” Van Fossen said. Van Fossen said he didn’t fire the first shot, but regrets that it happened. The two men were sitting by one another on the House floor later in the evening, but not talking. Van Fossen was listening to a “Rat Pack” C-D. Wilderdyke was talking to another legislator. Van Fossen said they’ve put it behind them. “Shook hands and made up, like we should,” Van Fossen said as the strains of a Frank Sinatra song played in his headphones.