House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank on Monday accused conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh of launching a “vicious, homophobic attack” on him in the lead-up to the midterm elections.
The Massachusetts Democrat, who is openly gay, said Limbaugh, who has been critical of Frank for years over his liberal positions, reached a new low last Thursday during his nationally syndicated show. In addition to referring to the Financial Services chairman as the “banking queen,” Limbaugh played the song “My Boy Lollypop” as he talked about Frank and added slurping noises into the song that simulate the sounds of a sexual act.
“He just launched this very, even for him, vicious, homophobic attack,” Frank said during an interview on MSNBC.
Frank spokesman Harry Gural said Tuesday his office was “shocked” and “offended” to hear how Limbaugh was characterizing the lawmaker.
“I find it completely disgusting. I cannot believe he would play that on the radio. A lot of people would find that revolting,” Gural said.
Limbaugh’s attacks come at a time when Frank, who has been in the House for nearly 30 years, is running a re-election campaign with more opposition than he is used to. He blames Limbaugh and other out-of-state Republicans for trying to oust him.
Sean Bielat, the GOP challenger vying for Frank’s seat, “was very explicit earlier this year,” the lawmaker said. “He said, 'If I can’t get help out of state, I can’t win this thing.' He’s helped by the right-wing media, by Hannity and Limbaugh, by Fox News.”
Rep. Bill Cassidy has his blood drawn by Alesha Barbour during a free hepatitis screening in the Rayburn House Office Building hosted by the Congressional Viral Hepatitis Caucus to recognize "National Viral Hepatitis Testing Day."
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