Scott Wallace speaking to a supporter.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
A vulgar under-the-breath statement at a Sunday evening forum in Bensalem stirred the local political community.
Democratic congressional candidate Scott Wallace made the controversial comment seemingly under his breath after discussing claims about incumbent Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick’s stance on health care at Congregation Tifereth Israel. The issue centered around a Washington Post Fact Checker article that bashed a Democratic attack ad being shown in the First Congressional District. During the forum, the congressman hammered Wallace him on statements he made about Fitzpatrick’s stance on those with pre-existing conditions.
Wallace’s comment included the word “f–k”, according to Democrats and Republicans who were at the forum, and was let out by a visibly frustrated candidate. Contrary to an early media report and some chatter amongst partisans, Wallace did not tell his opponent to “f–k off” or “f–k you.”
“I was exasperated by yet another attempt from Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick to hide from his votes to take away protections for people with pre-existing conditions. I apologize for any offense that might have been taken, I am passionate about protecting people from insurance company abuses, and I’m sorry that in this instance, my frustration got the best of me,” Wallace said in an emailed statement.
During an interview with WBCB 1490 radio, Fitzpatrick relayed that the gaffe by Wallace happened after the congressman drilled him about statements he made about health care.
“On the altar of a synagogue of all places,” Fitzpatrick said of the incident.
LevittownNow.com has searched for audio and video recordings of the incident since late Sunday night and none have turned up. A Republican who was at the event said there was a no recording rule for the forum.
Two people who were in attendance at the debate said the expletive did not appear to be heard by many in the audience.
Fitzpatrick spokesperson Genevieve Malandra said that the incident showed Wallace was “disconnected” with the community. A campaign statement called Wallace “unhinged” and a tweet from the Republican Party of Pennsylvania read “unhinged?”
One Democratic political official acknowledged the gaffe was bad for Wallace but would not make a dent come election day, while a Republican with years in campaigns said it was good political fodder.
