PROVIDENCE, R.I.—A Rhode Island lawmaker facing questions about his criminal record and military service has skipped a legislative meeting and speech by the governor despite vowing to attend.
Rep. Dan Gordon calls Tuesday's pension address by Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY'-fee) and Treasurer Gina Raimondo a "dog and pony show." He says attending the start of the fall legislative session wasn't worth billing taxpayers $30 for his mileage reimbursement.
Gordon says he watched the speeches on television.
On Monday Gordon said he'd "absolutely" attend.
Gordon's arrest last month for driving on a suspended license revealed a four-month sentence in 1999 for assault and an attempted murder charge dismissed in 2004.
Gordon has said his troubles were tied to alcoholism following the 1991 Gulf War. Military records for Gordon list no Middle East service.
