Washington (CNN)-The debt debate got ugly over the internet between two Florida representatives on either side of the House aisle. Freshman Congressman Allen West ripped into Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz over e-mail following her comments on the House floor Tuesday.
Calling the Democratic National Committee Chair the "most vile, unprofessional, and despicable member" of the House, West said, "Look, Debbie, I understand that after I departed the House floor you directed your floor speech comments directly towards me. Let me make myself perfectly clear, you want a personal fight, I am happy to oblige."
CNN obtained a copy of the e-mail from a congressional source.
Wasserman Schultz offended the tea party favorite by directly disparaging his support of the "Cut, Cap and Balance" bill that went on to pass the House of Representatives late Tuesday-after he left the floor.
"Incredulously, the gentleman from Florida. who represents thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, as do I, is supportive of this plan that would increase costs for Medicare beneficiaries," she said, calling West's approval of the plan "unbelievable from a member from South Florida."
West fired back in his message, challenging the four-term Democrat.
"If you have something to say to me, stop being a coward and say it to my face, otherwise, shut the heck up. Focus on your own congressional district!" he railed.
"From this time forward, understand that I shall defend myself forthright against your heinous characterless behavior…You have proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me!"
But Jonathan Beeton, a spokesman for Wasserman Schultz, charged that West's grievance was not actually with the congresswoman.
"I don't think that Congressman West is upset at the Congresswoman, but rather with the fact that she highlighted that he and other Republicans are once again trying to balance the budget on the backs of seniors, children and the middle class," Beeton said. "The truth hurts."
And West refused to leave his gripe on the House floor. Signing the e-mail "Steadfast and Loyal," West vowed, "I am bringing your actions today to our Majority Leader and Majority Whip."
CNN's Deirdre Walsh contributed to this report.
From CNN Politics
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They both crossed the line, people. DWS crossed the line by criticizing West *by name* and not *by party* by using phrases like "my opponents" or "other side".
West's response was most unprofessional. His remarks transcend professional disagreement to the point of being a personal attack.
Alan West has proven himself on the local level to be a ultra conservative teaparty member, no allegiance to the country, the constitution or any of its principles - what we women used to call a "pig" in the 70's, and finally has no allegiance to anyone but himself and his narrow little plan. Florida voters will ELIMINATE him in the next round. Boner and McConnell have a few more problems than dealing with his personal issues with co-workers.
Tea Party Typical.
Why is it Republicans are always supposed to apologize when Democrats routinely and gleefully commit vile attacks on the likes of Palin and Bachman or try to peg the shooting of Congresswoman Giffords on the Tea Party and are never held to account? Get serious.
Example? What about Alan Grayson's antics on the house floor?
So what party is more likely to participate and partake of personal attacks and vulgarity? Hmm. Let me guess.
Talk about overreaction! Representative West sounds like a real jerk. Here in Wisconsin we know the difference between Congress and your local biker bar. Maybe south Florida needs to explore that fine distinction and vote accordingly.
you left out the best part of the story, "focus on your own congressional district!" West LIVES in her district!
the GOP base cannot handle getting called out on their agenda that will hurt so many Americans!
Many comments question how Floridians could have elected so-and-so, be it either one. For those not living in Florida let me educate you. The southern part of the state has been overrun by liberal Yankees from the northeast and north-central part of the country who have moved south to retire. They have brought with them their liberal, socialist, what's-in-it-for-me entitlement attitude, union-background that has significantly changed the local politics of the state. Fortunately, and due in a large measure to the panhandle area, we now have a good governor and great young senator representing us. So, please, do not place all Floridians in the same boat as those "immigrants" to the southern part. Thank you.
Why did West leave the House floor during business hours? He's paid $170,000 a year with taxpayer dollars to put in a full day and not go back to his office waiting for Grover Norquist, his boss, give him high fives for his performance.
She is vile! She is a lying, deceitful coward who continues to attack the American people and ALL CONSERVATIVES as hate filled or racist or some other ignorant garbage simply for daring to have a different opinion. It appears barry and the far left dems have decided attacking and deriding a majority of Americans as hate filled and racist for opposing policies that WE HAVE ALWAYS OPPOSED, is a good campaign model – and of course the hate filled and intolerant left just contiue to spout the same garbage!
He is the coward. He left, quit, just like paylin.
She gladly would have said it to his face, if he wasn't the cry baby coward he has proven himself to be. And quitter.
Honestly, WHO votes for these LOSERS?
Run to mommy and cry you big baby.
Easy to see who is mostly employeed and who isn't. Liberals must have a lot of time on their hands these days, judging from the libtard posts here. These idiots think the well will never run dry.
I recently had the opportunity to sit in on the Florida House during a session. It was eye opening. As a few individuals used there allotted time to make impassioned arguments to vote a particular way, the majority of the politicians had side conversations, surfed the internet on their computers, checked their e-mail on their smart phones and Blackberries, and generally did everything they could to be as disconnected from the discussion as possible. I realize that these decisions are usually a formality by the time of the actual vote, but they could at least LOOK semi-interested in the issues before them and show some modicum of respect to their fellow representatives. It was embarrassing to see and disappointing to know. My tax dollars being wasted with little recourse.
Go, Debbie! West is a whiney, oversensitive punk who can't handle the truth and thinks he can get by by bowing up and acting intimidating. I'm not impressed, and from what I know about Debbie Wasserman Schultz, she won't be, either. In an intellectual argument she'll wipe the floor with this childish loser.
These are the "little kids" elected to govern this country. It is dispicable that this "bullie" will talk to a woman like this for calling him out on his poltical views. South Florida, now you know what you elected.......a disrespectful bully, wearing too small suits and a 1970 "fade" haircut. Please tell me where these people come from....not America!!!
WEST IS THE MAN!!! Tell it like it is.. She is just another Liberal idiot that is more worried about getting elected then doing the job or making hard decisions... DEMS/LIBERALS HATE THIS COUNTRY AND WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO CHANGE IT...
Aaaw, baby Westy-poo needs his bottle. Then it's time for his diapy change and a nap.
What an infantile sissy.
Frank, you are an idiot. Debbie is an Obama hack and a Dem thief.
Keep Slamming this Idiot.....he doesn't have anything. He's a Bully. The example of a "anger stupid man".....
Ms. Shultz was pointing out West's political position and made no references to his character. West, in return, engaged in childish insults and character assassination. It's abundantly clear who the adult is in this conflict. Those who elected West should be feeling buyer's remorse...
Uh oooooh....looks like someone's not ready to graduate to Huggies Pull-Ups yet. Nope...he's certainly not a "big kid"...got some growing to do.
I was simply devastated by Rep. Allen West's outrageous and incendiary statement about Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz. It is one thing to disagree with a fellow congressional colleague , but to use those irascible and disgusting terms is "over the top:." I harken back to Rep. West's disgraceful actions in the military by his draconian and threatening actions against a military prisoner, which endangers American troops should they be captured , and be interrogated by the enemy,not to mention the violation of the Geneva Convention. " The End Does not always Justify the Means" As a retired military officer of the same rank as LT COL (RET) West, I am unequivocally ashamed of an ex-Officer and certainly not a Gentlemen of his abuse of the Constitutional Right of Freedom of Speech.. I believe if Rep. West wants to find the most vile and contemptible Congressperson, he might take the advice of Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror". Ret. Col West should look very closely in the mirror, he may yet find reality and surprisingly find the person he is accusing Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of being. Fellow Retired Lt Col.
Laughing omg am I laughing. I just keep thinking back how the progress left is so good at name calling and I wonder how many of you spewing hateful comments on here have a clue, or better yet have a job. Lt Col West IS what America wants and is looking for. Keep up the great work Mr West, and remember if you're reading these comments...it's CNN what do you expect ...but like me you probably had to be curious and see what the free loaders who want the tax payer to give them a free ride, what they were doing today hehehehehehe Oh yeah kicking butt and taken names, watch the cowards run, ok this is just not right, not right a person should be having this much fun at the expensive of the less educated
Mr. West, it's you who is no gentleman. I bet you would not have sent the same e-mail to a man or a black woman. You are
nothing but an anti semite. YOU WILL NEVER RISE TO HER LEVEL. SHAME ON YOU!!!!
Debbie should be careful, her racism is beginning to show through.