Image Courtesy of Politico
The high temperatures have hit the Capitol and are heating up the debt ceiling debate.
On Wednesday, the heat turned into a flame war.
Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) took to the House floor to criticize the Republican “Cut, Cap, and Balance” plan. She said
Incredulously, the gentleman from Florida who represents thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, as do I, is supportive this plan that would increase costs for Medicare beneficiaries. Unbelievable from a member from south Florida.
Only problem is that the gentleman from Florida did not take kindly to Wasserman-Schultz’s critique. Instead, the political got personal.
Representative Allen West (R-FL) wrote to Wasserman-Schultz – and the Congressional leadership – and said
You are the most vile, unprofessional, and despicable member of the US House of Representatives. If you have something to say to me, stop being a coward and say it to my face, otherwise, shut the heck up…You have proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me!
West’s response has sparked outrage and started a fundraising war.
Both the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the organization EMILY’s List have used West’s comments in a fundraising appeal. By Wednesday afternoon, West’s reelection campaign had done the same.
Female Democratic colleagues of Wasserman-Schultz have also called for an apology from West for his sexist remarks (though there are mixed reports as to whether West has already apologized).
One Congresswoman explained that
We see this as a historic and systemic way that women have been subjected to sexism particularly in this venue, in this political environment. Just once again, we have been told that in order to be a ‘lady,’ we need to just stay in our places.
Another Congresswoman, Carolyn Maloney from NY, responded that
I’ve got to tell you that standing up for what you believe in, speaking out on the floor of Congress, and getting elected to office is very ladylike, Mr. West.
