She's the head of the DNC, and her comments on Governor Walker are drawing outrage
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- "He's given women the back of his hand." Harsh words from the head of the Democratic National Committee, and those words are aimed at Governor Scott Walker.
DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was in Milwaukee when she made the comment -- comparing Governor Walker's policies to domestic abuse.
It began as a round table discussion during an event on women's issues at the Milwaukee Athletic Club, and it turned controversial.
"Scott Walker has given women the back of his hand. I know that is stark. I know that is direct, but that is reality. What Republican Tea Party extremists like Scott Walker are doing is they're grabbing us by the hair and pulling us back and it's unacceptable," Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida) said.
Wasserman Schultz's words are turning heads.
"I'm thoroughly disgusted that they would use the plight of women that have been the victims of domestic violence to make a case against our Governor," Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) said.
Vukmir calls the words unacceptable, and wants Democratic candidate for governor Mary Burke to do the same.
"I would like to see her come out and denounce it. If she doesn't, she's basically standing with Debbie Wasserman Schultz," Vukmir said.
In a statement, Mary Burke's press secretary said:
"That's not the type of language that Mary Burke would use, or has used, to point out the clear differences in this contest. For the last 11 months of this campaign, and in the final 9 weeks left to go, Mary is committed to pointing out those clear differences - there is plenty that she and Governor Walker disagree on - but those disagreements can and should be pointed out respectfully."
The Democratic National Committee is reacting, saying:
"Domestic violence is an incredibly serious issue and the Congresswoman was by no means belittling the very real pain survivors experience."
The Republican Governors Association has issued this statement:
“The comments Debbie Wasserman Schultz directed at Governor Scott Walker in Wisconsin today are appalling and shameful. It is sad that the head of a national party committee, out of ideas to move her Party forward, feels the need to resort to absurd statements like this in an attempt to prop up their candidate. Mary Burke should make absolutely clear whether or not she stands behind Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the offensive, dangerous rhetoric she’s using to reflect her Party’s positions.”
Governor Walker issued a statement via social media Wednesday, September 3rd -- using the words to encourage voters to donate to his campaign, saying: "Dems reached a new low...help us fight back today!"