PHILADELPHIA — Katie McGinty, the Democratic Senate nominee in Pennsylvania, referred to Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., as an “a—hole” during an event Monday ahead of the gaveling in of the Democratic National Convention just down the road.
McGinty, who was appearing at an event supporting union members, used that word to describe the incumbent Republican in an effort to support unions who are pushing to raise the minimum wage to $15, who were holding signs reading “Raise It Damnit.” She also referred to Toomey as a “cold-hearted dude” for his embrace of Wall Street while voting against raising the wage.
She made the comment while referring to an introductory speech from Chris Shelton, president of the Communications Workers of America.
“I think I might borrow from Chris’ speech there in terms of Pat Toomey. He’s an a—hole, dammit,” McGinty said as the room erupted in laughs. “We know that.”
She went on to praise those pushing for a $15 minimum wage, which has received support from many within the unions.
Soon after, McGinty apologized for the remark, saying in a statement that she regrets making gthe offhand comment.
“I regret the language I used and apologize to Senator Toomey,” McGinty said. “Our campaign is about moving Pennsylvania forward and we’re going to continue to talk about the issues that are important to Pennsylvania families.”
Toomey, who is seeking a second term to the Senate after winning in 2010, is currently leading McGinty 44.3-41.7 percent — a 2.6 percent margin with just over three months until election day. He won his first term by defeating former Rep. Joe Sestak, who McGinty bested in April for the Democratic nod to take on Toomey.
A spokesman for Toomey’s campaign declined to comment on the remark.
