Rep. Allen West Attacks Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz for being ‘vile’ and ‘not a Lady’

Rep. Allen West (R-FL) is a perplexing figure. The tea party hero has some of the most conservative political positions of anyone in Congress. West is among those in the House of Representatives who is against raising the debt ceiling as the August 2nd deadline approaches.

Yesterday, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) took her fellow Florida congressperson to task for his opposition to raising the debt ceiling and his support for the House’s disastrous “Cut, Cap and Balance” symbolic vote. 

“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,” Wasserman Schultz said, saying the legislation “slashes Medicaid and critical investments essential to winning the future in favor of protecting tax breaks for Big Oil, millionaires, and companies who ship American jobs overseas.”

Congressman West did not take kindly to being called out by a strong woman Wasserman Schultz and sent a personal email cc’ing congressional leadership that reads (emphasis added):

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-Schultz

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. 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)

I don’t know if I should be taking deep breaths or if I should encourage Congressman West to. West clearly has proven with this personal attack on Wasserman Schultz that he can’t take a little heat on his unacceptable support for cuts in the social safety net which will definitely harm his reelection chances with the Florida electorate. Someone get this guy a tissue because he’s about to cry a river.

Wasserman Schultz responded to his email saying simply, “the truth hurts.” Rimshot!

Update: EMILY’s List sent out an action item to all of it’s members to condemn Rep. Allen West’s sexist comments. Click here to stand with Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz!

Also, for fun check out the hashtag #actlikealady on twitter.