I just spoke with Jeff Smith, the chair of the 41st District Democrats. (The 41st includes Mercer Island, Bellevue, Newport Hills, Eastgate, Newcastle, and Factoria).

Rumors involving Smith have been swirling about the 41st District July 18 meeting. As we've reported before, Smith did not allow King County Council Member Dow Constantine, who's running for King County Executive, to speak at the 41st, and some members objected to that decision. In fact, one member of the endorsement committee, Sonja Rossman, resigned her position and—after an alleged argument over the endorsement process on the night of the July 18th meeting at an Azteca restaurant later in the evening—filed a police report containing allegations against Smith. That same night, Smith confirms, there were "a number of [other] difficulties" that resulted in other police reports.  (I've got a public records request into the Bellevue Police Department for the reports.)

"Apparently there was too much testosterone," says Smith, who also confirmed that Rossman filed a police report about him and the alleged incident at Azteca.

Rossman  referred PubliCola to her attorney, saying only: "This is very difficult situation. I never expected this."

The police report about Rossman and Smith involves an incident that allegedly took place at a Bellevue Azteca restaurant after the meeting.

"There was no altercation," Smith told PubliCola. "There was a police report filed. They called me and they said it's obviously not a case of assault."

Smith called Rossman, who is elderly, "a very delicate person."

Meanwhile, there is reportedly a recall effort circulating to remove Smith as chair. Former 41st vice chair and member, Carol Friends, referred me to a 41st District member named Rich Erwin who she said is dealing with that issue. Erwin had no comment at this time.

Smith himself told PubliCola: "I've heard rumors about that, but until I see it, I will hold my peace."