Rhode Island Lawmaker Walks Back ‘File Cabinets Full Of Booze’ Comment About State House

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2017 file photo, Rhode Island state Rep. Moira Walsh, D-Providence, listens during swearing-in ceremonies in the House Chamber at the Statehouse in Providence, R.I. Walsh posted on Facebook Wed... FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2017 file photo, Rhode Island state Rep. Moira Walsh, D-Providence, listens during swearing-in ceremonies in the House Chamber at the Statehouse in Providence, R.I. Walsh posted on Facebook Wednesday, Feb. 1, that she was fired the preceding week from her job as a waitress at the Classic Cafe. Owner Raymond Burns said he previously had warned Walsh that her vocal political discussions during her shift were interfering with her work. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) MORE LESS

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A new Rhode Island lawmaker who says there’s an “insane amount of drinking” at the State House is walking back one of her comments.

Providence Democratic Rep. Moira (MOHR’-uh) Walsh told WPRO-AM on Tuesday that lawmakers have “file cabinets full of booze.” But she said Wednesday that was a “sarcastic joke” and she hasn’t seen anyone’s liquor cabinet.

Walsh is standing by other comments she made to talk show host Matt Allen about legislators’ heavy drinking. She says some of it happens during legislative sessions, such as during celebratory toasts.

She says alcohol is also a bigger problem at after-hours fundraisers and other events that successful lawmakers are expected to attend.

Walsh doesn’t drink and says as a single mom she has to pay for baby-sitting whenever she goes out.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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  1. " Soo … can I get you something " …

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