Please don't fret it at all! There was no harm caused (or intended), and I certainly did not mean to suggest otherwise.
In fact, it may have been for the better; perhaps the Senator for Maricopa would not have said anything in time without having seen your reply when he did.
I very, very, very much prefer that someone participate, even if they erred on the rules, than that someone not participate at all.
Speaking of which: Folks, if you'd like to ask Alex questions, please let me know. You don't need to be a Senator.