Van Hollen responds to Cantor

(AP Photo)

The spokesman for Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) responded to assertations made by House Minority Whip Eric Cantor  (R-VA) that Van Hollen is "fanning the flames" of threats against lawmakers.

“Yesterday, Congressman Van Hollen called upon Republican leaders to condemn the harsh rhetoric that is fanning the flames of extremism around the country. Today, Mr. Cantor had the opportunity to join Mr. Van Hollen in calling for restraint. Instead, he chose to use his press conference to level false accusations. This is straight out of the Republicans’ political playbook of deflecting responsibility and distracting attention away from a serious issue,” Doug Thornell, Van Hollen's spokesman said in a statement.

Earlier today, Cantor said that his Richmond, VA office had been shot at Monday.