In support of Wasserman Schultz, Braley ‘stands with the lady’

U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) has been getting attention in the Twitter-sphere and beyond for making and distributing pins to U.S. House Democrats in support of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla), after a colleague said she “was not a lady.”

Image has not been found. URL: http://media.iowaindependent.com/braley_ladybutton_300.jpg U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley wears one of the pins he's been distributing to members of Congress in support of U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

The pink buttons read, “We stand with the lady.” Braley posted a picture wearing one to his Twitter account Friday.

The pins are a response to an e-mail Wasserman Schultz received Tuesday from Rep. Allen West (R-Fla) who called her “dispicable” and said she “was not a lady.”

West fired off the e-mail to her after Wasserman Schultz gave a speech on the House floor condemning the Republicans’ “cut, cap and balance” act, which would impact Medicare for seniors in a manner that Democrats have denounced. Wasserman reported said West would have to explain the increase in costs to seniors as a result of the act.

“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,” the e-mail said. “You have proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me!”

The e-mail was leaked to Politico.com, which published it promptly.

Braley’s spokeswoman, Alex Krasov, told The Iowa Independent Braley made between 200 to 300 of the pink pins.

“He brought some to the floor, and I think some people saw others wearing them and wanted to get one,” she said, adding many Congress members have asked for a pin.

“Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Braley are good friends, and he wanted to find a way to show her that he and other members do respect her, and they do not share the opinion of Congressman West,” Krasov said.

West has not apologized, Krasov said.

In April, Wasserman Schultz was named chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, and became the first woman to hold the post since 1995.