Last week in a post I wrote that while sexism in the blogosphere was a problem, it was more external than internal.  Just a few days later The Collins campaign brought that point home when Collins' Director of Internet Strategy, Lance Dutson referred to FDL as "the foul-mouthed fem-blog FiredogLake."  

Dutson made this comment as part of a series of insults hurled at FDL, Daily KOS, and Moveon.org.  Apparently having women front pagers who curse is just as bad (or maybe worse?) as being a "hate-site".  

Jane and the FDL crew put out a press release demanding an apology and for Dutson to be fired..

From the Press Release:

"I'm deeply offended that Senator Collins would speak about professional women in such a degrading and offensive manner," said Hamsher. "It is well beneath the dignity becoming a sitting Senator to engage in such coarse and misogynistic rhetoric."

Christy Hardin Smith, featured FDL blogger, said: "The sexist undertones used on Sen. Collins' blog are appalling - the use of "fem-blog" is erroneous and dismissive. Citizens in this country have a right -- an obligation -- to hold those who ask us for our votes accountable. Women have just as much right as men to speak up for their country and their families, whether Senator Collins likes that or not."

I'm glad to see FDL fight back. This dismissive attitude towards women should be beneath a sitting Senator, especially since that sitting Senator is a woman. There is no doubt that in her political career Susan Collins has had people attempt to dismiss her because of her gender. It's disgusting that her campaign would engage in this kind of rhetoric to attack an opposing viewpoint.