Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) complained about his court schedule to a magistrate judge, claiming it was unfair because the Republican Party held a "very small majority."
His own attorney, Larry Zukerman, silenced him mid-gripe in open court.
The scene unfolded February 27 in Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, where Miller had appeared to request an emergency civil protection order against his ex-wife Emily Moreno, according to a transcript of the hearing.
At the time, Republicans held a four-seat House majority — and Miller's Ohio seat has since become one of the party's most dangerous liabilities heading into November. An abuse scandal involving allegations against the Ohio Republican has since exploded in the news.
It includes claims that Miller held a gun to his now ex-wife, and even broke his toddler daughter's collarbone. He has denied abuse allegations.
Magistrate Jessica Bartolozzi had just finished warning Miller that he was required to show up to every future hearing, the transcript obtained this week by Abby Vesoulis of Mother Jones shows.
"And lastly, as the Petitioner, you are required to appear for all scheduled hearings," Bartolozzi told Miller, adding that missing one could get his case thrown out.
Miller then launched into a rant about his political problems, according to the transcript.
"No ma'am. I have one concern though," Miller said. The magistrate replied, "Sure."
"I will make every hearing that you ask me to make. The only consideration, and I'm not asking for special treatment whatsoever, and I want that on the record and understood, but my job right now is a little chaotic and we have a very small majority, and right now there's a partial shutdown," Miller said.
"Max, nobody cares," Zukerman cut in.
"I apologize. I will be there," Miller replied.
The majority Miller cited that day has since become the central argument his own party is using against him.
Republicans currently hold a 218-214 advantage in the House, with three seats vacant.
Miller let the ballot replacement deadline pass earlier this month, Axios reported, locking in his candidacy and handing Democrats a credible shot at a seat that had been considered safely Republican.
Miller was in court that February because he had sought a civil protection order — a restraining order — against Moreno, Mother Jones reported.
He told Magistrate Bartolozzi under oath that he had eyewitness and video evidence proving Moreno's abuse allegations against him were false, the Mother Jones report said.
The next court date is scheduled for two days after Election Day.
