Rep. West Stands by Email Calling Wasserman Schultz 'Vile, Despicable and Cowardly'

WASHINGTON (FoxNews.com) - Republican Rep. Allen West of Florida is standing by an incendiary email he sent to a Democratic colleague after she criticized him in a speech on the House floor.

"I think it's important to stake my ground," West told Fox News when asked about his email to Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. "It was about enough is enough, and it's my right to say that. She is the one elevating this."

West's email called Wasserman Schultz "vile, despicable and cowardly" after she called into question his stance on Medicare during the debate over a spending cap and balanced budget bill before the House.