Boxer: Just don't call me 'ma'am'

WASHINGTON -- Brig. Gen. Michael Walsh was following military protocol last week when he repeatedly called Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., "ma'am" at a Senate hearing.

But during a line of questioning on protecting and restoring the Louisiana coast, Boxer interrupted Walsh.

"Do me a favor," she asked him. "Could you say 'senator' instead of 'ma'am'? It's just a thing. I worked so hard to get that title, so I'd appreciate it."

"Yes, senator," replied Walsh of the Army Corps of Engineers.

That request has given pundits and the national media a field day since and outraged a Republican seeking to unseat Boxer in next year's election.

National Public Radio ended a report on the exchange by playing a sound bite from Aretha Franklin's "Respect," while the Washington Times ran a story headlined "No 'ma'am' for Boxer."

Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R-Irvine, who is running to oust Boxer, called it was remarkable that Boxer "dressed down" a general, calling it "the latest liberal-military confrontation."

He said the use of "ma'am" is "a perfectly acceptable sign of military respect to both a U.S. senator or a senior female officer."

Boxer aide Zachary Coile said Monday the senator spoke with Walsh after the hearing and the general wasn't offended by Boxer's request.

"They had a very friendly conversation," he said. She "has tremendous respect for our men and women who serve in the military," including Walsh, he said.