GOP Congressman Criticized, Apologizes For Profane Ad

In support of President Obama's stimulus package, the union coalition AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) funded an ad targeting Republicans for their opposition. Named in the spot is the House whip, Virginia's Eric Cantor. Here's the video, which rather tamely encourages voters to call GOP leaders and urge them to get behind the president's plan:



In a misguided and politically tone deaf move, Cantor's office responded by emailing out its own ad. They dug up an old 1970s PSA with a voiceover portraying AFSCME members as cartoonishly profane meatheads. The ad is littered with curse words: "We don't take sh*t from nobody. You got that, @$*hole? AFSCME -- the f*&%ing union that works for you." Check it out (NSFW):



Not surprisingly, Cantor and his aides are now taking some heat for appearing to mock union members during a serious debate over the correct response to the nation's economic crisis. "During these tough economic times the last thing hard working Americans need is to be ridiculed by a member of the Republican leadership," said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney in a statement. "Rep. Cantor should apologize for insulting America's workers with this profane video."

And Cantor's office did finally apologize today. Press secretary Brad Dayspring released the following statement:

"I would like to apologize for a joke that was in no way an official response from Congressman Cantor, but instead an inappropriate email. I apologize to AFSCME for my inappropriate email containing an old video. Let me be clear, we know people are hurting in these trying times and House Republicans completely agree that we must pass an economic recovery bill that preserves, protects and create jobs for Americans facing these economic challenges."

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