State Rep. Daniel shoves opponent on radio program, says 'lost my cool'

Daniel, left, Hall, right

A political forum on live Knoxville radio involving the four men running for a state House seat erupted into a physical confrontation Thursday evening when state Rep. Martin Daniel confronted former Rep. Steve Hall and pushed him, witnesses said.

Daniel later acknowledged Thursday he'd "lost my cool" in the moment.

Daniel and Hall, vying in the Republican primary for the 18th state House seat now occupied by Daniel, exchanged words on NewsTalk 98.7 shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday.

When Daniel said at the start of the show that he was the only businessman among the four candidates, Hall exclaimed that Daniel was a liar, noting he had been in business himself.

Hall repeated the accusation, the station's recording shows.

"Don't be calling me a liar, Mr. Hall. I'm telling you. Don't be calling me a liar," said Daniel, who also is a lawyer.

According to host Hallerin Hilton Hill, Daniel then went over to where Hall, a former city councilman as well as legislator, was sitting in the station studio.

When Hall stood up, Daniel then shoved him, Hill told listeners.

Read the entire story, which includes more statements from the candidates, RIGHT HERE.