California Democrat Compares West to Florida Pastor Who Burned Koran

In a statement about an inflammatory email Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., sent to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. earlier this week, Rep. Mike Honda, D-Calif., likens West to Pastor Terry Jones who last year, threatened to burn a stack of Korans at his Florida church. Jones later burned one of the Muslim holy books in a less public display in March.

"Public opinion of policymakers is already quite low, why in the world would Rep West want to undermine it further by stooping to such undiplomatic demagoguery?" Honda's statement reads. "Not unlike the pastor in Florida who burned the Koran, knowing all too well the forthcoming media frenzy, this action by West is hardly different."

West wrote in the email to Wasserman Schultz earlier this week, "You are the most vile, unprofessional, and despicable member of the US House of Representatives. If you have something to say to me, stop being a coward and say it to my face, otherwise, shut the heck up. Focus on your own congressional district!"

Congressional Democrats are calling on West to apologize for the email.

READ THE FULL TEXT OF HONDA'S STATEMENT BELOW

"First, let me first say how honored I am to serve with Debbie Wasserman Schultz, easily one of the most courageous colleagues in Congress. Anyone who calls her less hasn't been paying attention to anything that's been happening in the halls of Congress recently. Debbie and I serve together on the House Budget Committee and it is clear that this woman - or may I say lady - shows unparalleled commitment to the concerns of this country, something not all Members have exhibited in recent days. Secondly, I have serious concerns about the context in which these salacious slurs are allowed to happen and are even encouraged. Public opinion of policymakers is already quite low, why in the world would Rep West want to undermine it further by stooping to such undiplomatic demagoguery? Not unlike the pastor in Florida who burned the Koran, knowing all too well the forthcoming media frenzy, this action by West is hardly different. Extremism in all forms must be chastised immediately - by policymakers and by the press."