West’s opponent launches website, WestHatesWomen.com, in response to congressional feud

Former West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel, a Democratic challenger to Florida Republican Rep. Allen West, has found an explosive charge to fuel her campaign: her opponent is a "misogynist."

Frankel jumped into the ongoing fight between West and Florida Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz by launching a new website, WestHatesWomen.com. The site is in response to a letter West sent to Wasserman Shultz calling her "vile" and "despicable" after she criticized him on the House floor.

Frankel's campaign purchased the domain name last week, according to The Palm Beach Post, and it currently redirects users to a petition demanding an apology from West. "I think his attitude towards women is very disrespectful," Frankel said when Palm Beach Post reporter George Bennett asked if she really thinks West "hates" women. "I do think his votes mainly and his attitudes towards women are hurtful and disparaging."

Frankel echoed the sentiments of several female House Democrats, who last week charged the House freshman with "sexism."

West's spokesman hit back, saying the feud between him and Wasserman Shultz has nothing to do with sexism, but is a "long standing issue" between them.

"Congressman West does not hate women," West spokesman Angela Sachitano told The Ticket, citing the several women who are senior members of his staff. "This is about a long standing issue between Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congressman West, dating back to when she staged a protest in front of his campaign office when he was running for Congress. That's it."