Once again, Sen. Rick Jones' mouth may land him into trouble.
This time, critics say, the Grand Ledge Republican stepped over the line when a verbal sparring between him and Lansing public relations powerhouse Kelly Rossman-McKinney led him to describe her work with a metaphor derived from the world's oldest profession.
"As an elected senator I am honored to fight on behalf of my constituents for the best public policy," Jones emailed MIRS, according to their subsequent report. "Unfortunately Kelly, like a 'hooker,' works for whichever client hires her -- policy be damned. She always gets worked up when I oppose her clients. Business must be tough. I find it funny that she took on a Republican partner."
Incensed at the comment, Rossman-McKinney, a co-founder of Truscott Rossman, fired off a letter today to Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, demanding an apology from Jones.
"I generally don’t mind verbal attacks or insulting comments – again, it’s often part of our environment – but the statement from Senator Jones’ was totally unsolicited by MIRS and so over the top in terms of content that it demands redress," Rossman-McKinney wrote.
Richardville spokeswoman Amber McCann decelined to comment. It's the second time in recent weeks Jones has come under such fire. In early December, Joan Fabiano, a mid-Michigan Tea Party leader, fired off a complaint to Richardville about Jones after he asked during an exchange on Facebook if she if she used “head meds."
Jones told MIRS he was surprised by Rossman-McKinney's reaction. "She took a shot at me. I took a shot back. It was meant in humor."
