(CNN) - A spokesman for Florida Rep. Alan Grayson is defending the outspoken congressman's recent comment calling an aide to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke a "K Street whore."
The comments - directed toward Bernanke aide Linda Robertson - came during a radio interview a month ago but are just now circulating Capitol Hill.
Grayson spokesman Todd Jurkowski said the congressman's comments came in response to an attack from Robertson over the his support of a GOP-backed bill to audit the Federal Reserve.
"She actually questioned his understanding of the difference between fiscal and monetary policy," he said in a statement to CNN. "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."
Jurkowski also questioned why the comments are making news a month after the interview aired.
"Why is this coming up now? This interview happened weeks ago. This is just another way for the NRCC to attack their number 1 target," he said.
The comments are the latest in a string of controversial statements from the freshman congressman, who last month angered Republicans but became a hero to the left when he declared on the House floor that the GOP health care plan is to let sick people "die quickly."
Related: Liberals see health care hero in freshman Florida lawmaker
Several Democrats have said Grayson's language describing Robertson was inappropriate.
"Is this news to you that this guy's one fry short of a Happy Meal?" New York Rep. Anthony Weiner told Politico.
Weiner later issued a statement calling his remark about Grayson 'playful' and said the Florida Democrat is "a friend and an extraordinary member of Congress."
The Republican National committee also weighed in on the comments, calling them "disgraceful, inappropriate and disrespectful to women."
Follow Alex Mooney on Twitter @awmooneycnn
From CNN Politics
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Any Member of Congress who claims to be/have been an economist out to be turned out of office in the next election. No real economists would spend multi-trillions of dollars without accountability. Congress is simply using the US economy as an experiment for social programs.
Alan Grayson is clinically insane. He passes the M'Naughton rule. He should be involuntarily committed to the insane asylum. I wouldn't want him around my children!
If the facts are that Ms Robertson is a lobbyist then I can understand that her interests are what is good for the people she is lobbying for rather than the american people. In that respect, I agree with the congressman's comment about her.
I "believe" that the Republicans/Independents in Florida-–and even the moderate Democrats-- have a lot more intelligence and class than what this IDIOT represents.
And, that they will take the first opportunity that arises---and send him back to making the fries for the happy meals.
He should run for governor of Florida. It would be nice to have someone with convictions instead of a cream puff in office.
What an oaf.
if they cant win an argument based on logic...what do libs/democrats have to do?....name calling.. Grayson is becoming a caricature and and symbol of the Democratic Party....good work and keep it up
Yeah!!! Let's crucify the guy! Only Republicans are allowed to "talk tough". Could this be any more hypocritical? The idiot(s) that claim if a Republican had said it all hell would break loose need to get their heads out of Rupert Murdock's bum. The Republicans have been running wild for over a decade and the only thing difference is that they are generally lying.
I think this congress man is a total nut case, he's from ny, and because he's a liberal Jew he think's he can get away with insulting women. I feel bad for us as a country as people like him with no values have taking over the dem party and media.
I can't believe that Florida citizens are not protesting in front of his office--telling him to shut up and to quit embarrasing them.
He has the right to make a fool out of himself..........However, he is representing Florida.......And, everytime he opens his mouth, he is making fools out of Florida citizens as well.
All the Dems who think Grayson is a hero also villify Joe Wilson. Just more Democratic hypocracy.
I do not trust ANYONE in this country anymore. All of the HAVES are making sure they keep theirs, and take yours too. All of the people in power are selfish, arrogant liars. They will say anything, do anything to keep their stuff. They have been doing it since the 80's and we have lost our great country. Thank you, all of the politicians and business men! Happy with your stuff? Need more? I want answers. I want them from Lloyd Blankfein. I want them from Wall Street, I want them from every politician. I DEMAND answers! Every citizen in this country should be ANGRY! We need to remove every politician, lobbyist and CEO. We are all created equal, unless you happen to be a HAVE NOT.
Sounds like he was dead on right in his description of Robertson. It is refreshing to hear such honesty from a politician.
Go Grayson!!
They can dish it out, but they can't take it.
I fail to see why there's a problem with calling a lobbyist what they really are.....
But then we give this name to anyone that takes money from special interest groups.
If a Republican had made this statement, people would be screaming. Instead, it's applauded that a Dumb-o-CRAP puts down women. Way to go Dems!
I am a democrat that no longer recognizes the democratic party. The faces in the WH and this man harbor no resemblance to any party that truly represents any thing American.
Of all the intelligent people in our great country, this is what we have running it! No wonder we are in a mess. High school is over Congressman.
After a summer of the most outrageous, stupid, foolish, and insulting remarks coming from the Grand Hypocrite Party, it's refreshing that we have our own who can be obnoxious. They can't stand getting a taste of their stupidity thrown back in their faces. Grayson for anything he wants to be!
This ignorate dude is representing who? He should not be in any
position of Gov. and needs a wake up call,like shock therapy in an
institution. This idot must be crazy! He needs to be before the
ethics commity and discharged. In real life jobs he would be fired.
It's funny how the democrats that are outspoken are "idiots" and "wackos" but when the GOP does the same thing, they are "rogues" and "heroes".
I think Obama should mediate this and keep us distracted while they print more money.
Yes CNN, why so long before it surfaces? Responsible reporting?
what a disgrace.
Dont flatter yourself Rep. Grayson. You are, by no means, the NRCC's number one target. You'll be gone after this term with your immature comments. Goodbye.