Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) waited for her colleague from South Florida Allen West (R-FL) to walk off the floor to take a shot at him. According to Schultz, ““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. Unbelievable from a member from South Florida.â€
She was referring to a GOP backed bill to reduce the debt and amend the Constitution to require a balanced federal budget that later in the day passed with a 234-190 vote. West didn’t take to kindly to Shutz’s attack and responded with an email;
From: Z112 West, Allen
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 04:48 PM
To: Wasserman Schultz, Debbie
Cc: McCarthy, Kevin; Blyth, Jonathan; Pelosi, Nancy; Cantor, Eric
Subject: Unprofessional and Inappropriate Sophomoric Behavior from Wasserman-SchultzLook, 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. 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. Focus on your own congressional district!
I am bringing your actions today to our Majority Leader and Majority Whip and from this time forward, understand that I shall defend myself forthright against your heinous characterless behavior……which dates back to the disgusting protest you ordered at my campaign hqs, October 2010 in Deerfield Beach.
You have proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me!
Steadfast and Loyal
Congressman Allen B West (R-FL)
A spokesperson from Wasserman Shultz sent his own email response to West saying, “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. … The truth hurts.” Representative West has since shot back calling this, “another cowardly cheap shot at Congressman West.”
Here is Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) from the House floor;