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
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
"Say it to my face, otherwise, shut the heck up."
The language of diplomacy...it eludes Mr. West.
West is another tea party moron,his kind will be fading fast come next election. They all have these outrageous demands for our government, but can't come up with one idea to make them happen or are unwilling to give anything up. They are the lunatic fringe in this country and hurting progress.
West is right. She is a d-bag. And leaking the private email and crying to the liberal media shows her shallowness.
West is right. She is a hag. And leaking the private email and crying to the lmedia shows her shallowness.
It's ironic reading these posts. Do all liberals just rant and rave and throw insults? This woman is vile, anyone that lies should be called out. What the dems don't tell you is that they have already cut into the medicare program, it's called Obamacare. Instead of throwing insults at anyone that dares challenge your party, why don't you guys do some research. And for those of you who have hurled insults at West just because you don't like him standing up for himself, doesn't mean he is wrong, it is ironic that only when a liberal is attacked they have to right to defend themselves. This man is man of honor and has served this country and risked his life to keep us safe, it's more than I can say about our POTUS.
West is right.
Man she needs braces big time!! VILE
Wasserman Schultz is an idiot. Just google some of her comments. A true racist who doesn't like black people.
Wasserman-Schultz is everything Cong. West said, rude, vile, liar and so on.. I believe she is worse than Pelosi and that is really saying something.
How is he shafting his constituents? None of the changes in Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid that any of the alternative plans have called for – whether they were put forward by Republican, Democrat or Bi-partisan group call for any changes to made before 2027. That is 16 years from now and would not effect anyone over the age of 51. So how is that shafting a current population of retirees? This is simply class and age warfare and it is practiced by both parties.
The ones really getting shafted are those of us who are under 40 and our children. We will be responsible for and pass on more debt to our next generation than they will possibly be able to pay off. None of the current spending can continue if we hope to have any chance at a future balanced budget. And simply taxing the rich will never help us get out of trouble. We need to learn from history: "You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn". Abraham Lincoln – over 150 years ago!
He's probably sick of her bully tactics. She deserved everything he said and more.
Wasserman is just another racist Democrat. Nothing new here.
Bout time we had a real man in congress. GO WEST young man GO west.
Who says West has to be polite to this dweeb.
Debbie Wasserman Shultz should never be described as a coward. She is an inspiration to all women.. She battled cancer and was still taking care of family and her job. This man is a poor excuse of a Representative of his people. She is fighting the fight.. He is the coward that is not sticking up for his constituents.
He probably got her private email address from Rupert Murdoch. I understand he has a source. He certainly got his talking points there.
Hey West,
Really?
What a girlie man you turned out to be.. Aren't you embarassed? Is that how you talk to the women in your life when you do
not like what they say? I wonder what secrets are hiidden in your closet on how you treat women. You are a disgrace to
Florida. It's always Florida that is the butt of a joke.
YOU NEED TO RESIGN NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! \
Who is in favor of shipping this moron to live with CASEY ANTHONY?. They are both spychos. And he was in the Military?
What an insult to our heroes!!! What does he care about the little people,we have been paying his salary all his life so he does not have to worry about health care or where his next meal is coming from. YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!
I think some of you Republicans need to get your heads examined defending West! The man needs to go to an anger management institution. He's clearly acted as if he was back in grade school as the bully. No class, no character, no integrity. He has every right to disagree with the opposition. He doesn't have the right to all but threathen this woman's life.
Perhaps Mr. West should have grown up before entering Congress as a representative of the good people in Florida.I hope his constituents show him the door back to the Romper Room come election day.
Why are you acting so guetto Mr. West.? Are you sure you were not a pimp before you joined the millitary?
You are nothing but a misogynist. YOU ARE A CHAUVANIST PIG!!!
There is no room for you in Government.
So incredible how right can spew lie after lie. The total lack of respect for the POTUS even before he was even inaugurated. Mr. West, you are within that group. I can see a vision of 2012 sir. You wil have been used up like a dixie cup, then discarded like last night's garbage. Just ask J.C. Watts.
Regardless, his conduct is reprehensive, unprofessional and should not be tolerated! Those of you who disagree with me can just say it to my face! Now, that's all I got to say about that.
Americans are at fault for the way politics have slid into the gutter. We don't vote nearly as much as we should, we act like children in our dialogue when things become difficult. We can do much better as people if we just try.
She disagreed with his support of the cuts to programs that effect seniors, she did not attack him personally. His behavior is beneath his office and his constituents should be ashamed of him.