Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.), who switched his stance on the authorization to use military force in Syria from "yes" to "no," is trying to raise money off of his switch, according to an email blast he sent out Thursday.
"Today, I decided to withdraw my support from President Obama's proposal for a military strike against Syria. I have heard from many of you in Staten Island and Brooklyn, and it is clear to me that their [sic] is strong opposition to the strike. As your voice in Washington, I will continue to listen and take a stand for you," he wrote.
The letter then followed with: "Will you stand with me in opposing President Obama's plan with a donation of $25 or more right now?"
In a statement, Grimm spokeswoman Carol Danko said the funding request was a mistake.
"The email was intended to be a message to supporters informing them of the congressman's withdrawal of support for a strike on Syria. The dollar ask was included automatically by the vendor, and was never approved by the congressman. He is furious over this inappropriate inclusion and has taken appropriate actions to ensure that this careless error never happens again," Danko said.
Grimm wrote in the letter that he made his decision after the Obama administration's delay. "When President Obama first announced his plan for strikes against the Syrian government for its alleged use of chemical weapons, my first reaction as a Marine combat veteran was to support immediate, targeted strikes. I now believe that the opportunity for such action has passed," he wrote. "President Obama has failed to show strength at this critical moment in time. While the debate in Congress continues, our nation’s credibility grows weaker and weaker. After much deliberation and prayer, I have decided to withdraw my support. I do not feel that our country has enough to gain by moving forward with this attack."
Grimm is not the only Republican to fundraise off of his opposition to the Syria attack. Former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, running for U.S. Senate, also sent out a fundraising email touting her decision to oppose the strike.
UPDATE: 1:20 p.m. -- Grimm's challenger, New York City Councilman Domenic Recchia, responded to the email in a statement saying, "The use of military force is the most serious of issues, and it should be treated that way."
Here is the full letter from Grimm:
Before You Go
