It seems that GOP Congressman Allen West of Florida has a serious problem with Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who is also the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. A serious problem.
Tuesday he sent her a scathing email in which he called her "vile, unprofessional and despicable." What on earth could have provoked such vitriol?
Well, it seems West objected to comments that Wasserman Schultz made on the House floor when she responded to West's support for "Cut, Cap, and Balance" legislation, which passed a House vote,  to raise the debt ceiling without actually naming him, writes Politico.
"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. The bill "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."
West didn't like that response and sent this email to Wasserman Schultz and a lot of his colleagues in the House. "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 wrote in his email.
West's office stood by the criticism. A spokeswoman said Wasserman Schultz had taken "another cowardly cheap shot at Congressman West," adding that "the congresswoman's actions were unprofessional and cowardly."
Here's the full text of the 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-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)