Rep. Steve Southerland (R-FL) tried to deflect charges of sexism by Democrats by pointing out that he lives with five women and asking if Democratic opponent Gwen Graham has ever been to a lingerie shower.
“I live with five women. That’s all I’m saying. I live with five women. Listen: Has Gwen Graham ever been to a lingerie shower? Ask her. And how many men where there?” Southerland said according to the Tampa Bay Times. Graham, a lawyer who is the daughter of former Sen. Bob Graham (D-FL), will face Southerland in the November election, and most recent polling shows the race within the margin of error.
Southerland’s response comes after Florida Democrats labeled Southerland, along with Gov. Rick Scott and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who’s visiting the state to help Scott, as anti-woman.
Southerland’s lingerie comment came in response to a conference call Democratic Party chairwoman Allison Tant highlighted the fact that Southerland held a men-only fundraiser where the invitations read “Tell the Misses not to wait up because the after dinner whiskey and cigars will be smooth & the issues to discuss are many.”
Graham, a lawyer, is the daughter of former Sen. Bob Graham (D-FL). Most recent polling shows the race within the margin of error.
