Specter apologizes to Bachmann

Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) has apologized to Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) for telling her to "act like a lady" during a debate over healthcare.

Specter called Bachmann last night and apologizes, Bachmann's office tells MinnPost.com.

"He called her last night on her cell phone, he apologized for his comments, and she accepted," said Bachmann spokesman Dave Dziol.

Here's some background on the controversy:

A radio debate between Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter (D) and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann (R) on Thursday grew especially heated when the senator told the conservative congresswoman she ought to "act like a lady."

As Bachmann finished describing tax policies she would ideally pursue in 2010, Specter began his response, criticizing the congresswoman for dodging the original question. That discussion became tense, as Bachmann continued to talk over Specter, prompting the Pennsylvania senator to charge: "Now wait a minute. I'll stop and you can talk... I'll treat you like a lady. So act like one."

"I am a lady," Bachmann replied.