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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.
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