Democratic Organizer Quits After Calling Allen 'Macacawitz'

A field organizer for Democratic congressional candidate Al Weed resigned yesterday after it was discovered that she referred to Sen. George Allen (R-Va.) as "Macacawitz."

In an e-mail sent last night, Meryl Ibis asked Democratic supporters to protest "George 'Macacawitz' Allen" during a Republican rally in Danville.

The term "Macacawitz" is an apparent reference to Allen's use of the word "macaca" and the recent discovery that he has Jewish heritage.

Weed spokesman Kurt Gleeson said the staffer "made a mistake in her language that was not sanctioned by the campaign." Weed is challenging Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr. (R-Va.) in the Southside district.

Dick Wadhams, Allen's campaign manager, said Ibis's e-mail "fits a pattern of anti-Semitic behavior" by Democrats. Wadhams said Allen's opponent, Democrat James Webb, should be held accountable for Ibis's e-mail because she also was one of his volunteer organizers.

Kristian Denny Todd, a Webb spokeswoman, said Wadhams sounds desperate.

"I've never heard her name," Todd said. "She is a Weed for Congress staffer, and they took care of it right away."

-- Tim Craig