Legislator asks for extra protection following Bruce remark

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - A Gunnison lawmaker is asking the Colorado State Patrol for extra protection due to threats she says she's received since gaveling down on a fellow member of the House of Representatives.

Gunnison Democrat Kathleen Curry says she has been bombarded with threatening e-mails and telephone messages since bringing down the gavel Monday. She was responding to a comment made by Colorado Springs Republican Representative Douglas Bruce, who referred to Mexican immigrants as "illiterate peasants."

Curry gaveled down and said "How dare you!" after Bruce's remark, then told him he was no longer recognized to speak at the podium.

Curry says the amount of hate mail she's received is "off the charts."

The State Patrol will also monitor her family's ranch in Gunnison.