West's Words Ignite Donation Drives

The clash between Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz , the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, and Allen West, a Tea Party freshman, has ignited fund-raising campaigns against Mr. West, and in support of him, as well as calls for him to apologize and be censured.

The spat between the two Floridians, who represent neighboring Congressional districts, began Tuesday on the House floor and may well end at the polls next year.

After Ms. Wasserman Schultz criticized Mr. West indirectly for supporting the Republicans' "Cut, Cap and Balance" legislation, Mr. West responded in an e-mail, calling her "the most vile, unprofessional, and despicable member of the U.S. House of Representatives " and "not a lady."

On Wednesday, Democrats seized on Mr. West's insults and sought to make them a campaign issue. Steve Israel, the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, sent an e-mail to supporters denouncing Mr. West's "hate-filled screed." He asks for donations of $3 or more to raise $100,000 to help defeat him and other "disgraceful Republicans" in 2012. He says the total will be matched by Democratic lawmakers.



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