Colleague: Rep. Tom Emmer ‘fighting for his damn life’

The health of high-ranking Republican Rep. Tom Emmer is in question after a colleague suggested a serious ailment.

U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer didn’t attend a forum Tuesday for congressional members and candidates at Farmfest in western Minnesota. Rep. Pete Stauber, a fellow Republican, first said Emmer is dealing with a personal concern.

Later, Stauber defended Emmer’s absence in a more concerning tone after a Democratic candidate questioned why Emmer hadn’t shown up to look farmers in the eye.

“You have no idea what Congressman Emmer is dealing with right now,” Stauber said in a serious tone. “If you did you would have never made that comment. He is fighting for his damn life today.”

Stauber left the event without taking questions.

Emmer’s office and campaign didn’t address questions about his situation or the Stauber remark. A spokesperson pointed to a Washington reporter’s social media feed instead.

Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News posted on social media that he had spoken with Emmer since Stauber’s comment and said “he is not gravely ill, nor did he sound like it.”

Emmer had leg surgery in April and has been seen moving around Washington in a wheelchair. He did a Fox Business interview on Monday from a remote location and there was no indication of distress in his voice.