Female lawmakers blast GOP criticism

WASHINGTON - Republican senators' angry criticism of U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice over her initial account of the deadly Sept. 11 attack in Libya smacks of sexism and racism, a dozen female members of the House said Friday.

The Democratic women lashed out at Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham who earlier this week called Rice unqualified and untrustworthy and promised to scuttle her nomination if President Obama nominates her to succeed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

"All of the things they have disliked about things that have gone on in the administration, they have never called a male unqualified, not bright, not trustworthy," said Rep. Marcia Fudge (D., Ohio), the next chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus. "There is a clear sexism and racism that goes with these comments being made by unfortunately Sen. McCain and others."

At a Capitol Hill news conference, the female lawmakers, the majority of them African American like Rice, suggested that the Republicans were bitter about Obama's reelection and taking it out on the U.N. ambassador.

"To batter this woman because they don't feel they have the ability to batter President Obama is something we the women are not going to stand by and watch," said Rep. Gwen Moore (D., Wis.).

For weeks, the criticism of Rice has focused on her comments about the Libya attack.

McCain, attending the Halifax International Security Forum, was questioned about the criticism. "I think they are entitled to their opinions," he said.

A spokesman for Graham had no immediate comment.

"It is a shame that anytime something goes wrong," Fudge said, "they pick on women and minorities."