WASHINGTON (CNN) – Florida Democrat Rep. Alan Grayson issued a written apology Tuesday evening for a comment for a month-old comment that has stirred controversy on Capitol Hill in recent days.
During a September radio interview, Grayson called Linda Robertson, an aide to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke who has also worked as a lobbyist, a "K Street whore."
In a statement issued Tuesday evening, Grayson said his comment was inappropriate.
"I offer my sincere apology," Grayson said in the statement, "I did not intend to use a term that is often, and correctly, seen as disrespectful of women.
"This characterization of Ms. Robertson, made during a radio interview last month in the context of the debate over whether the Federal Reserve should be independently audited, was inappropriate, and I apologize."
Just hours earlier, a spokesman for Grayson had defended the comment in a statement to CNN.
"She actually questioned his understanding of the difference between fiscal and monetary policy," Grayson spokesman Todd Jurowski said in the earlier statement. "She had the audacity to attack a congressman who used to be an economist. She's a career lobbyist who used to work for Enron and advocates for whatever she gets paid to promote."
The freshman Democrat recently grabbed the national spotlight after saying in a speech on the House floor that the Republican health care plan is "Don't get sick, and if you do get sick, die quickly."
Related: In Grayson, liberals see health care hero
–CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney contributed to this report.
From CNN Politics
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I hope his political career dies quickly.
He defended the remark earlier, now he "sincerely apologizes". Looks like the new Democrat wonder-boy has lost his luster. He's just as wishy-washy as all the others. (Not to mention a sexist). I'm so glad that President Obama has changed the tone in DC like he promised. Imagine if there was partisan bickering going on. We'd get nothing accomplished.
Classic Dem childish venom. Quick someone que up a Bush rant!
The usual apology that is an empty gesture. Imagine what he says in private.
make him apologize on the floor. Oh thats right he is a democrat he didn't do any wrong.
Hey, hey that's not just disrespectful to women.
It's exactly what most of the GOP are. Spineless jellyfish that will "put out"
for anything against the present administration.
True Americans these GOP are... lies, greed and collusion!
this guy is a pc of work
What a sad sad story about a politician who demonstrated his unworthiness of the office he holds. If he sincerely feels sorry for his remarks, he should simply resign.
And just when I was beginning to think that a Democrat might actually have a little testicular fortitude, they once again, cave in and apologize and go right back to square one! Farewell Dems!.....It was short lived, but it was good while it lasted I guess!!!!!
Dang Alan Grayson you're starting to sound like a Republican with all the name calling and whatnot.
Grayson is a disgrace
Talk about a freshman congressman trying to put his name on the map by insulting his way to the top. Who puts these Barney Franks in office??????????????
To call Grayson despicable is to insult despicable people everywhere. The goofballs in Florida that sent him to the House better pull their heads out next November.
Typical liberal. Go ahead, defend him.
I wonder who forced this apology out of the boor?
When are they going to get rid of this guy? This is crazy. this man is supposed to be a pillar of our community. this man is a disgrace. get rid of him
Wasnt he the main character in the flick "Flowers For Algernon"? Yeah thats right I thought he was the digressing medical mishap person at first but soon realized HE WAS THE RAT!!!! What a fine citizen he is!!!
Grayson, always the gentleman and the scholar? Such a promising career as a statesman?
Seems like the man is all class. Jeez, I cant believe this is what passes for a representative in our highest levels of government. The people of his district in Orlando should be proud of the POS they elected.
A sexist democrat? Tell me it isn't so. I thought they were the party of NOW.
This guy ought to resign.
Sounds like this jerk needs to get the boot along with his aide...not sure which is the biggest chauvanist...but they're both great representations of the democratic party – remember the way they treated Hillary and then Sarah Palin!?
Linda Robertson used to work for Enron. So what is the controversy here? So a lobbyist is a princess even if she lobbies for a company that saw thousands of people loose their jobs and life savings based on lies and corruption? Have you no sense of decency Linda Robertson? You are the one who should be apologizing...now and later at the "pearly gates"...your choice. White collar criminals should be treated just like a blue collar criminals. And robber and thief is a robber and thief.
Yeah, well, I hadn't heard much about that remark. Oh, wait! It wasn't a conservative who spoke! No wonder it wasn't plastered across every newspaper and the focus of CNN and MSNBC specials for a week. I understand now.
What a disgrace....