Notable Political Feuds

While Florida summers are always notoriously warm, a political spat between U.S. representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., and Alan West, R-Fla., has caused the political climate in the Sunshine State to boil over. It all began Tuesday when Schultz called out her Floridian counterpart over the Republican's proposed budget cuts to Medicare. According to the Miami Herald, West responded in kind with a scathing email calling Wasserman Schultz "vile" and "despicable."

The recent attacks probably have less to do with policy than the ongoing feud between the two that developed after Schultz claimed West supported denigrating women due to his role as a columnist for a racy South Florida biker magazine. While this latest political rivalry is grabbing headlines, it is in no way unique. Political feuds trace themselves back to the very beginning of the country. Here are the top three feuds between U.S. politicians.

Andrew Jackson vs. John Quincy Adams

Politicians have always fostered disagreements, but the presidential election of 1828 was the turning point when politics became personal and downright ugly. Andrew Jackson was challenging incumbent John Quincy Adams. By the time voters reached the polls, wild stories about both men were circulating in regards to tons of incredulous charges, including murder and adultery. John Quincy Adams was labeled an elitist, but the most scathing attacks were the notorious "coffin handbill" accusing Jackson of murdering six militia men and allegations that his wife Rachel was not divorced at the time of their marriage. Jackson won the election, but blamed Adams and his associates for the death of his wife; she died two weeks before the inauguration.

William Churchwell vs. William Cullom

In a scenario that is remarkably similar to the Schultz-West situation in the origin of the parties involved, Tennessee Rep. William Churchwell accused another Tennessee congressman, William Cullom, of defending the Missouri Compromise of 1820. According to an excerpt from the U.S. House Office of the Clerk, Cullom considered the attack as an affront from a personal friend.

On June 20, 1854, Churchwell accused Cullom of altering the official records of prior sessions. At this Cullom jumped over his desk in a rage, making "threatening gestures." Churchwell reached for a gun concealed in his pocket, but was accosted by Burton Craige of North Carolina. Luckily Churchwell and Cullom apologized the next day, avoiding an extended feud and punishment from the House.

Aaron Burr vs. Alexander Hamilton

The feud between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton started when Burr won a seat in the Senate from Hamilton's father-in-law Philip Schuyler. After it became apparent Jefferson would drop Burr from his ticket after the first term, Burr would run for governor of New York after his vice presidency was over. Hamilton continued his political meddling by endorsing Burr's opponent Morgan Lewis, ultimately causing him to lose the gubernatorial election.

A letter by Charles D. Cooper was later published that contained ambiguous comments Hamilton had made in private in regards to Burr's character. Hamilton would not recant, so Burr challenged him to a duel. On the morning of July 11, 1804, Hamilton and Burr, who still held the office of vice president, engaged in a duel. Hamilton was mortally wounded and died the next day. Burr was charged with murder in New York and New Jersey, but was never brought to trial, although it effectively ended his political career.