Former IRS official called GOP ‘crazies,’ and worse, in email

WASHINGTON (AP) — A former IRS official at the heart of the agency’s tea party controversial calls Republicans “crazies” and more in newly released emails.

Lois Lerner used to head the IRS division that handles applications for tax-exempt status. In a series of emails with a colleague in November 2012, Lerner made two disparaging remarks about members of the GOP, including one remark that was profane.

Republican Congressman Dave Camp, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, released the emails today as part of his committee’s investigation. Camp says the emails show Lerner’s disgust with conservatives.

In one email, Lerner called them crazies. In the other, she used a profanity (“assholes.”) In the material that the committee released publicly, the committee redacted the wording to blank-holes.

Congress and the Justice Department are investigating whether the IRS improperly scrutinized applications for tax-exempt status from conservative groups.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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