Fox:

Rep. West Stands by Email Calling Wasserman Schultz 'Vile, Despicable and Cowardly'

WASHINGTON -- Republican Rep. Allen West of Florida is standing by an incendiary email he sent to a Democratic colleague after she criticized him in a speech on the House floor.

"I think it's important to stake my ground," West told Fox News when asked about his email to Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. "It was about enough is enough, and it's my right to say that. She is the one elevating this."

West's email called Wasserman Schultz "vile, despicable and cowardly" after she called into question his stance on Medicare during the debate over a spending cap and balanced budget bill before the House.

In her remarks on the House floor, Wasserman Schultz had said: "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."

She was alluding to a GOP-backed bill to reduce the debt and amend the Constitution to require a balanced federal budget. The House later approved the bill 234-190, but it is unlikely to pass the Democratic Senate.

West, who is in his first term, wasn't shy about his online outburst. He sent his email to numerous lawmakers, as well as Wasserman Schultz and other congressional leaders. The subject line of the email: "Unprofessional and Inappropriate Sophomoric Behavior from Wasserman Schultz."

The e-mail 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. 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."

West also wrote that Wasserman Schultz has proven "that you are not a Lady" and "shall not be afforded due respect from me!" He said he was alerting House leaders to her "heinous characterless behavior."

A spokesman for Wasserman Schultz, Jonathan Beeton, said in an email of his own: "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."

West's office did not back off the criticism after the email was widely distributed. A spokeswoman said Wasserman Schultz had taken "another cowardly cheap shot at Congressman West."

West told Fox News that Wasserman Schultz's comments were part of a "pattern" of "hate," and he felt that she "disrespected" him in her House floor speech.

"You don't need to call me out on your time to speak on the floor," West said. "Focus on what is your plan for the debt ceiling."

House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., whom West copied on his email, defended the tea party-backed freshman.

“Tensions are building here sure," McCarthy told Fox News. "Allen is going to defend himself. There’s always a way to display that differently.”