Iowa congressman walks out during interview with local TV station

Rep. Rod Blum (R-Iowa) walked out of an interview with a local television affiliate on Monday. 

Blum, who was sitting down with KCRG-TV9 in front of several school children, stood up after a reporter asked him if he would take money from a Republican outside of his district.

“This is ridiculous. This is ridiculous,” Blum said as he stood up and walked away. 

The question came after the reporter asked Blum whether he felt he represented all Iowans. 

Blum laughed at the question and said he represents the 1st District, likening it to a voter in one town going to another to vote. 

{mosads}When the reporter followed up with the question about accepting donations from Republicans outside of his territory, Blum got up and left. 

The lawmaker said the reporter was badgering him during the interview.

On Monday night, Blum held a town hall with constituents at Dubuque Senior High School, the same local television station reported. 

During the town hall, Blum faced questions from Iowans about the American Health Care Act, which the House narrowly passed last week.

One constituent reportedly told the congressman that he “voted for this bill in a rush.”

“You voted for this bill in a rush. There were no committee hearings. This is my life,” woman tells Blum at town hall

— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) May 9, 2017

But Blum said the GOP legislation was “heading in the right direction.”

Blum: “The bill is better than what we have. It’s heading in the right direction.” Boos from the audience.

— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) May 9, 2017

Since passing the healthcare legislation, House Republicans have faced criticism for voting on the bill before the Congressional Budget Office issued an updated score.

The Senate has said it will change the House bill.