Contributions for Joe Wilson's Democratic opponent after outburst
 

Interested in syndicating BNO News articles? Contact sales@bnonews.com for more information.

From the BNO Newsroom.

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (BNO NEWS) --  A day after South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst in Congress during President Obama's speech, political figures from all fronts are condemning his actions.

But not only political leaders are voicing their outrage, also citizens are taking part. About 18 hours after his outburst, Wilson's Democratic opponent, Rob Miller, had received more than 11,000 individual grassroots contributions raising more than $400,000, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee told BNO News. "It's a shattering amount," he said, while adding that contributions are still coming in.

"This evening I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the President's remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the health care bill," Wilson said in a statement on Wednesday evening. "While I disagree with the President's statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the President for this lack of civility."

Wilson also called the White House later that evening, apologizing for shouting "You lie!" during the President's speech. Obama said, when asked if he accepted Wilson's apology, that he is a "big believer that we all make mistakes" and that he is accepting his apology. "He apologized quickly and without equivocation, and I'm appreciative of that," Obama said.

Although the majority of the public response appeared to be against Wilson, he also received support. On the internet, Joe Wilson remains one of the hot topics. "I fully support Rep Joe Wilson's actions. He called a spade a spade! The President is a liar!," wrote one Twitter user who identified herself as "proudmcleod."

Another Twitter user, called "rightwingwoman", said: "Going to donate to Joe Wilson right now...love that guy...finally someone showing the American people that the Emperor has no clothes."

Wilson's official U.S. House website has been offline since his outburst. "Due to exceptionally high traffic, this site is temporarily unavailable," a message reads.

Follow us:
   
Or sign up for breaking news e-mail alerts by clicking here.

 ###