Congressional candidate Mac Deford released the following statement on reports of Rep. Nancy Mace’s 'outburst' at the Charleston International Airport:
“What happened at Charleston Airport isn’t complicated. Congresswoman Nancy Mace reportedly repeatedly shouted at airport police and TSA officers, calling them 'f***ing incompetent' and yelling, 'this is no way to treat a f***ing U.S. Representative' because she thought she wasn’t being treated the way a U.S. Representative should be. That kind of behavior isn’t a strength. It’s arrogance. And it’s not what South Carolinians expect from someone representing them in Congress.
I’ve served in law enforcement. I know what it means to deal with the public, to stay calm under pressure, and to treat people with respect, no matter who they are. The men and women working law enforcement and security at our airports deserve that same respect. They are doing their jobs to keep people safe. They do not deserve to be berated by anyone, especially not a Member of Congress.
When you are in public office, how you treat people says more about your character than any speech you give or vote you cast. This was a test of character, and she failed it miserably.
If Congresswoman Mace really believes in law and order, she should start by respecting the people who wear the badge. And she owes them, and the people of South Carolina, an apology.”