New Hampshire's Democratic Senate minority leader charged with domestic violence

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last updated 3 August 2018

On Thursday, police arrested Jeff Woodburn, the Democratic minority leader in New Hampshire's state Senate, on charges of domestic violence and assault. State Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said in a statement that Woodburn is being accused of assaulting a female "intimate partner" by throwing a cup of water at her, biting her hand and arm, and hitting her in the stomach. Woodburn, who is up for re-election for a fourth term, said he will fight the charges. But officials in both parties — including New Hampshire Democratic Party chairman Ray Buckley, Gov. Chris Sununu (R), and Sununu's two Democratic challengers — called for him to resign immediately.

Woodburn was released on bail Thursday and is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 20 to be arraigned.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.

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