An invitation obtained by Buzzfeed reveals that Congressman Steve Southerland hosted a swanky, men’s only private fundraiser with instructions to “tell the misses not to wait up” so Congressman Southerland could discuss policy issues without them.
From the report:
“The invite goes on to say that attendees should ‘tell the misses not to wait up’ because ‘the after dinner whiskey and cigars will be smooth & the issues to discuss are many.’ […]‘Good men sitting around discussing & solving political & social problems over fine food & drink date back to the 12th Century with King Arthur’s Round Table,’ the invitation said.”
Congressman Southerland has recently come under fire for his vote against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act and his deceptive advertising pretending that he’s on the side of North Florida women.
“If women hadn’t been excluded from Congressman Steve Southerland’s swanky men’s only-dinner, they could have told him that voting against the Violence Against Women Act and then lying about it is a bad idea,” said Emily Bittner of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Congressman Southerland just keeps proving that his Washington Way is totally out of touch with North Florida’s values.”
BACKGROUND:
Congressman Southerland Hosted A Men-Only Fundraiser With Instructions to Exclude Women From Policy Discussions. “Back in March, organizers held a fundraiser for Republican Congressman Steve Southerland described as a meeting with Southerland and a ‘small group of concerned men,’ according to an invite obtained by BuzzFeed. The invite goes on to say that attendees should ‘tell the misses not to wait up’ because ‘the after dinner whiskey and cigars will be smooth & the issues to discuss are many.’” [Buzzfeed, 9/3/14]
Huffington Post: Southerland Left Out Key Detail That He Voted Against Bipartisan Version of VAWA. The Huffington Post reported: “But the ad doesn’t tell the full story. Southerland voted for the House GOP’s version of the reauthorization, which left out expanded protections for LGBT, Native American and undocumented immigrant victims of domestic violence. He did not vote for the Senate’s bipartisan version of the bill, which passed the Senate by a 78 to 22 margin and eventually became law.” [Huffington Post, 8/29/14]
MSNBC: Southerland Should Explain “Why He Opposed The Legislation, Not Pretend He Supported It.” “As we’ve discussed before, if Southerland and his colleagues can’t defend their votes, maybe they shouldn’t have cast those votes. The congressman’s task during the election season should be to make his case to voters about why he opposed the legislation, not pretend he supported it. If Southerland regrets his vote, that’s fine, too – he can apologize and tell the public he’ll do better next time. But deception is the wrong way to go.” [MSNBC, 9/03/14]
Recent GOP Poll of Women “Paints a Dismal Picture for Republicans.” “A detailed report commissioned by two major Republican groups — including one backed by Karl Rove — paints a dismal picture for Republicans, concluding female voters view the party as “intolerant,” “lacking in compassion” and “stuck in the past.” Women are “barely receptive” to Republicans’ policies…” [Politico, 8/27/14]