{mosads}”We hope the people of Florida’s 22nd Congressional District will note that he repeatedly polarizes the American people instead of focusing on their interests,” the they added.

The lawmakers called West’s comment “childish.”

“When people like Rep. West have no ideals or principles, they rely on personal attacks,” Ellison and Grijalva continued. “The CPC is proud to stand up for economic equality and civil and human rights for all Americans. Congress is having, and will continue to have, an ongoing debate about job creation, home foreclosures and the issues that concern working families. But we will not engage in base and childish conversations that lower the high level of discourse Americans rightly expect from their representatives.”

West’s reelection campaign said the remarks were taken out of context.

“One stupid reporter with a local publication misquoted the entire thing, and they all jumped on one press account without verifying,” Tim Edson, West’s campaign manager, told The Daily Caller. ”It’s all typical west wing marching orders for their friends in the press.”