Feminist Majority observes that Cass Ballenger is the Deputy Majority Whip and on the House Republican Steering Committee. "So is Ballenger saying, 'I'm not just racist, I'm also sexist'?' said Eleanor Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority. 'It is an outrage that a member of Congress would make such sexist and racist remarks. We hope he joins Lott in resigning his leadership post.'" You go, Eleanor!

NOW President Kim Gandy writes, "Another member of Congress has embarrassed himself and his party -- not by making a mistake, as he explained, but by saying what he really thinks. Not only did U.S. Rep. Cass Ballenger (R-NC) tell the Charlotte Observer that former colleague Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) is 'a bitch,' but in his attempt to explain the insulting comment, he implied in a local radio interview that the sentiment was justified because he considered McKinney divisive, pushy and 'less than patriotic.' One must wonder whether he would have made the same statement about a white Congressman he considered to be pushy or divisive. I think not. His statements demonstrate beliefs about race and gender that do not belong in the U.S. Congress." Right on, Kim!