Things are getting hot between Idaho’s Democratic and Republican leaders, with dueling press releases out regarding a GOP congressman from Florida and his pedophilia scandal, who knew what when, who should or shouldn’t apologize, who’s politicizing what, and a bit of name-calling.

First, Idaho Democratic Chairman Richard Stallings, a former Idaho congressman, criticized Idaho’s congressional delegation for not catching the congressional scandal earlier – before more young congressional pages were targeted with salacious instant messages from the offending congressman. Then, Idaho Republican Chairman Kirk Sullivan called on Stallings – whom he referred to as “Dick Stallings” – to retract his statement and apologize to Idaho Reps. Mike Simpson and Butch Otter, saying, “Idaho Democrats have sunk to a new low by attempting to politicize the reprehensible actions of former Representative Mark Foley.” Sullivan added, “Where was Stallings’ righteous indignation when Democrat Congressman William Jefferson was found with dirty money in his freezer?”

That release went on with quotes from Simpson repeatedly referring to Stallings as “Dick,” as in, “Unfortunately, Dick thinks this is an opportunity to gain political advantage for his candidates next month,” and “Nothing is gained when a guy like Dick tries to turn this into something it isn’t for his own political gain.”

Stallings then responded in another press release, saying he has “no intention of apologizing” and declaring, “Our congressional delegation ought to be protecting children, not acting like them.” He added, “My parents named me Richard, and that’s the name I go by. The least they could do is extend the courtesy of using my given name.”

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