West, Wasserman Schultz use each other as foils

MIAMI (AP) — The fight between Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Republican Congressman Allen West is energizing their political bases.

West this week fired off an angry, widely circulated email to Wasserman Schultz for questioning his stance on Medicare during a budget debate. West called her vile, unprofessional and despicable and told her to shut the heck up. They represent neighboring districts in Florida.

Now West is using the fight to drum up donations and Wasserman Schultz is making the rounds on TV news.

Blogs have labeled him a misogynist. The former Army officer says it’s the type of pettiness he hates about Washington.

A West spokeswoman says he has not apologized to the congresswoman, because he is waiting on her apology.