First, Rep. Steve Southerland held an all-male fundraiser. Then, he defended it by asking if his female opponent had ever been to a “lingerie shower.” Now, he’s apologized.
Invitations for the Florida Republican’s fundraiser said: “Tell the Misses not to wait up because the after dinner whiskey and cigars will be smooth & the issues to discuss are many.”
That led to criticism from the state’s Democratic Party chair, and Southerland doubled down in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times.
“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 were there?” he said.
He later contacted the newspaper to apologize.
“I regret that my comments are being misused for political gain. I was trying to make the point that some organizations host men-only events and some host women-only events,” he said.
Scott is in a tight race with Democratic candidate Charlie Crist. Southerland is up against Gwen Graham, daughter of former Florida Gov. Bob Graham.
