Rep. Patricia Schroeder helped organize a reception for House Speaker Newt Gingrich's book-signing tour when it hit Denver, and Gingrich didn't like it.
Several hundred protesters shouted and waved placards outside Tattered Cover bookstore Thursday while the Georgia Republican was inside signing copies of his book, "To Renew America."Schroeder, a Colorado Democrat who has staunchly opposed many of Congress' budget cuts, initially denied a part in orchestrating the demonstration, then later owned up to it.
"I am proud to have helped organize the protests, and if Mr. Gingrich does not like it, that's tough," Schroeder said in a statement. "If he can't stand the heat, he should cancel his book tour."
Gingrich, who has made headlines this week after a woman's published claim that they had an affair 19 years ago, criticized Schroeder's involvement in the protest.
"I have no problem with Pat being maniacally negative," Gingrich said. "If she is using her office staff and her office (to organize the demonstration), it's a violation of the House rules."
Schroeder said Gingrich was wrong about that.
"The last time I checked it was still a free country, and if people, including members of Congress, want to get involved in protesting policies they disagree with, they have every right to do so," she said. "If Mr. Gingrich believes that is illegal, he's even more delusional than I think he is."