Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) stood before fellow Republican congress members Friday to thank them for their continued support after many reported receiving inflammatory emails regarding an alleged affair between her and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, reported two unidentified congressmen.
The emails arrived in the midst of an ongoing feud between the House GOP and the Republican Party nationally, reported Politico. Along with McCarthy, who wasn't in the room at the time, many House GOP members have found themselves in the crosshairs of hardline conservatives over differing views and priorities.
Ellmers thanked fellow lawmakers for their support during the meeting and apologized for the received emails. She referred to the messages as "crazy" and noted that despite the odds she faces as a woman in Washington, she would be able to handle them since she was a "tough cookie," according to the Associated Press.
"As someone who has been targeted by completely false accusations and innuendo, I have been moved by the outpouring of support and prayers from my colleagues, constituents and friends," Ellmers said. "Now I will be praying for those who find it acceptable to bear false witness."
This speech follows McCarthy's surprise decision to remove his name from the house speaker race, reported Salon. He denied that the decision was in response to a letter from a lawmaker who asserted any candidate with embarrassing misdeeds in their past should withdraw.
It's believed that the letters that the House GOP came from an alleged right-wing activist who is known for spamming Republicans.
