The controversy continues to surround statements made by Representative John Graham Altman during an interview with a Columbia news station. He lashed out at a reporter who questioned him about his position on two pieces of legislation. Now Altman is defending his stance on that interview and on the issues of Cockfighting and Criminal Domestic Violence. Count on 2's Octavia Mitchell sat down in an interview with the lawmaker.

Reprenstaive John Graham Altman appeared on MSNBC earlier this morning, he maintained his position that cockfighting and the criminal domestic violence bill should not be compared; because they are two totally separate issues. Altman says the cock fighting bill passed as a felony offense because with a felony charge authorites can go after the accesories to the crime.

He says the Criminal Domestic Violence Bill, or Power Act; which stands for "Protect Our Women in Every Relationship" was poorly written and did not protect men who are also abused in relationships.

"This was a very bad bill, we need to hold it back, the vote was unanimous Octavia, Republican and Dmocrats, 25 people said no, it's a bad bill, it can't go forward, if anbody has any other idea, they've been mislead by the news reporting." - Rep. Altman

"During that interview, some may have been offended by the manner in which you said things, at this point, would you be willing to offer an apology if you offended anyone?" - Octavia Michell

"I don't apologize for telling the truth, so I can't apologize. I'm telling the truth, women who are abused should get out of that abused situation and stay out." - Rep. Altman

Representaive Altman says another problem with the bill is it created another grounds for divorce, mental crulety. Suspects could not plead down from Criminal Domesitc Violence and judges could not issue mutual restraining orders.

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