Update: The congresswoman’s office issued a statement today, responding to the quote that appeared in the Washington Examiner’s article:

“This is absolutely ridiculous and the quote in question was taken completely out of context. I am a woman, and find it both offensive and sexist to take my words and redefine them to imply that women need to be addressed at a lower level.

“The point of Friday’s panel was to have an open conversation regarding how we communicate our values and principles to women across this country. Unfortunately, certain leftist writers have decided to take this important opportunity and engage in ‘gotcha’ journalism. There were so many positive ideas and solutions proposed during this discussion that sought to empower women. But instead of focusing on these positive steps, some writers are cherry-picking words and using predetermined agendas to attack Republicans and increase their readership.

“It is a shame that such an important moment for addressing solutions and empowering women was used to attack the open exchange of ideas. In answering a question regarding how Republicans can improve their messaging, I took the opportunity to note that everyone comes from different backgrounds and experiences – and our messaging should do the same.

“If there is a problem, who is perpetuating it? Was it a room full of women laughing, bonding and sharing solutions – or a liberal woman reporter attacking the event and taking it to a dark place that does not exist?”

Readers can, of course, draw their own conclusions about Ellmers’ statement, though I’d note that this doesn’t deny the congresswoman made the comments, only that the comments were taken “out of context.”

You can read the entire article at MSNBC

Ashe Schow is the journalist at The Washington Examiner that wrote the original article about the meeting.  She has posted the audio of what Renee said during the meeting and seemed surprised to be called “a liberal woman reporter”.  Schow’s background has been at ultra-conservative organizations.  She has worked for The Heritage Foundation, Heritage Action for America, & The Burlington County Republican Committee.  If you would like to hear what Renee said, you can hear her at WASHINGTONEXAMINER

I give credit to Ashe Schow who seemed to handle the article and the accusations in a professional way and even was able to joke about the situation.  Did you see this tweet she wrote?

Ashe Schow @AsheSchow · 9h
Guys, since I’ve already been outed as a liberal plant, I’m going to confess:

I’ve been working for Clay Aiken this entire time.

It’s been interesting  seeing so many tweets, comments, messages and articles that all agree that Renee Ellmers words were not the best.

~~~~~

Now that the dust has settled from the 2nd quarter, I’ve finally had time to roll out CA4NC Social Fundraising. Your response to the CA4NC Membership Circle program was incredible and it’s clear to me that this group of people is incredibly important to the success of the campaign. The majority of you have supported Clay for over 10 years now and I wanted to send this out to you first before we do the launch next week.

With our new social fundraising tool, everyone can provide the campaign the important financial support that Clay needs to win in November. With less than 4 months left before the election, time is of the essence! Please follow the link below to learn about CA4NC Social Fundraising, the CA4NC Ambassador program, the rest of the CA4NC Social Fundraising benefits, and how to immediately activate your networks!

https://act.myngp.com/Forms/-174090714495318272

I can’t thank you enough for your support!

Sincerely,

Nick Leisey