EMILY’s List, the political action committee that backs female candidates (almost exclusively Democrats) who support abortion rights, accused U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation, of a “sexist, ugly attack” for his scathing Tuesday e-mail to U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston.

Not long after the PAC put out its statement, Democratic candidate Lois Frankel — who has been endorsed by EMILY’s List and used it for money-raising help in her primary against Patrick Murphy — weighed in with a statement criticizing West’s “out of control, rude, sexist and completely inappropriate remarks.”

Murphy piled on this morning, saying the House should censure West.

(more…)

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink’s campaign manager Paul Dunn is gone and Emily’s List strategist Shellie Levin is on board as deputy manager for Sink’s Democratic gubernatorial campaign.

Sink’s campaign didn’t announce the changes but offered this statement on the changes.

“Under the direction of Sink for Governor Chief of Staff Jim Cassady, the campaign is pleased to announce that respected Florida strategist Shellie Levin has joined the campaign as deputy campaign manager. Levin, a longtime Miami resident, most recently served as EMILY’s List Majority Council Director for the Southeast U.S. and will help the campaign continue to reach out to Floridians up and down the state to share Alex’s vision for the future of Florida. The campaign also is announcing today that Paul Dunn will be leaving the campaign, and we wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”

Sink’s staff changes brought a swift response from the state GOP.

“After six months of lackluster fundraising, it’s no wonder that Alex Sink decided to shake up her stagnant campaign,” Republican Party of Florida Executive Director Ronnie Whitaker said in a statement. “What is surprising is that Sink decided to hire a former senior staffer from a pro-abortion group, after previously refusing to disclose how much funding she received from that same group, or even simply listing their support on her campaign web site.”

EMILY’s List, which bills itself as the nation’s largest financial resource for women candidates, endorsed Democrat Alex Sink today for governor:

“Florida is ready for a fresh start, and there is no better candidate for the job than Alex Sink. A proven leader and advocate for Florida families, Sink is extremely qualified to serve as Florida’s chief executive,” said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY’s List. “Demanding accountability in state government, Alex has earned a strong reputation as a watchdog for Florida consumers and taxpayers. Her vast experience and business acumen make her an ideal candidate for governor during these challenging economic times. EMILY’s List looks forward to helping to elect Alex Sink as Florida’s first woman governor.”