A physical altercation took place between a volunteer for Representative Frank J. Pallone (D-NJ-6) and the campaign treasurer of his challenger, Anna C. Little, in Atlantic Highlands last night. The incident took place in front of witnesses and involved police.

According to Russell Cote, Little's field operations director, the altercation took place at approximately 11:30 p.m. on First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, not far from Little's campaign headquarters. The altercation began when a team of supporters of the Pallone campaign began placing signs on the street, and Anna Little's volunteers, led by Cote, began placing signs of their own, within sight of the Pallone team.

Joseph "Joe" Hawley, the apparent leader of the Pallone team, took exception to the appearance of the Little team and attempted to interfere with them. At that moment, Jane Frotton, 68, Little's campaign treasurer (who also is the chairwoman of the Republican club in Atlantic Highlands), drove up to the spot, got out, and attempted to reason with Hawley. Cote says that Frotton and Hawley know one another well, because both are extensively involved in the government of Atlantic Highlands, where Little currently serves as mayor. Cote also says that Hawley has a reputation as a hothead, a provocateur, and an instigator.

Hawley escalated the conflict by making disparaging remarks about Frotton's husband Bernie Frotton (79), calling him "senile" at one point. Frotton took exception to that and upbraided Hawley for his rudeness. That was when Hawley placed his hand on Frotton's left shoulder and shoved, according to Cote, who was present and directly witnessed the incident. Frotten struck Hawley back in return.

Hawley then summoned the Atlantic Highlands police, who responded, gave a stern lecture to everyone involved, but made no arrests. No one is expected to press charges.

Frotton confirmed Cote's version and also confirmed another remark she had made to Art Gallagher of More Monmouth Musings, that perhaps Hawley had not taken his medications. Frotton elaborated further, saying that Hawley has been under medication for some time and has anger-management issues that have cost him a number of borough and local Democratic Party jobs. Frotton and Cote both observed that Frotton and Hawley have known one another for some time. Both witnesses, especially Frotton, took the incident in stride.

Little herself was not involved. This morning she was at a press conference at her Red Bank headquarters, collecting endorsements from some parents of children who have suffered from pediatric-acquired brain injuries, and discussing legislation seeking to prevent such injuries.

Kelly Ann Hart, Little's campaign manager, heard about the incident early this morning and was outraged. "I have never before worked in any campaign, anywhere at all, where differences of opinion between campaigns have gone to the level of personal physical violence," she said. "And this was about campaign signs! And I am also trying to reach Congressman Pallone, to get an apology from him and to let him know the kinds of things that have been said and done by persons purporting to speak in his name." Particularly objectionable, according to Hart, was the attack on Frotton. "There is no place, in any campaign, or anywhere in public life, for a man laying a hand on an elderly woman and shoving her."

Pallone's campaign could not be reached for comment.

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