Watch CBS News

Sen. Reid Calls Alan Grayson "Absolute Fraud" Amid Spousal Abuse Accusation

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

PHILADELPHIA (CBSMiami/AP) — Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid says fellow Democrat Alan Grayson should drop his bid for Senate in Florida following reports that he physically abused his ex-wife.

Reid says Grayson is an "absolute fraud" and says: "Now having whacked his ex-wife around a few times ... I don't know who supports him other than himself."

Reid has tangled in the past with Congressman Grayson, an unpredictable firebrand who is defying Democratic leaders' wishes by challenging their favored candidate, Rep. Patrick Murphy, in the Aug. 30 Florida primary.

The new reports of abuse, first published by Politico this week, have increased pressure on Grayson, who has lost endorsements from two progressive groups.

Grayson's spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Incumbent GOP Sen. Marco Rubio is running for re-election.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.