WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Jewish Democrats slammed U.S. Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) for a vituperative e-mail he sent to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.).
Meanwhile, a pro-Israel PAC raised funds for Wasserman Shultz, also the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, based on the attack, while West also is using the exchange to fundraise.
West e-mailed Wasserman Schultz after she chided him on the House of Representatives floor on Tuesday for backing a plan that she said would increase costs for elderly Medicare recipients in their adjacent districts.
"Look, Debbie, I understand that after I departed the House floor you directed your floor speech comments directly towards me," he said in an e-mail obtained by a number of news outlets. "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 U.S. 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! You have proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me!"
The National Jewish Democratic Council, where Wasserman Schultz launched her career, blasted West for his "hostile tone and belligerent language."
In a statement, the NJDC said that West's declaration that Wasserman Schultz is "'not a Lady' and will not be 'afforded due respect' confirms yet again that West has a problem with progressive women. American Jews overwhelmingly support women's rights and have nothing but tremendous respect for Debbie and all that she's accomplished."
http://www.jta.org/news/article/2011/07/21/3088642/jewish-dems-defend-wasserman-schultz-after-wests-attack