We understand that being a staffer on Capitol Hill means that you’re more important than everyone else, and while we hate to pile on after the whistle, what you’re about to read is the definition of terrible bedside manner …

If you want to score a meeting with Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), know this: His scheduler/office manager, Elizabeth Becton, is to be addressed by her full name — not Liz or any other variant.

An executive assistant at McBee Strategic recently learned this the hard way. A few weeks ago, the assistant e-mailed Becton seeking a meeting with McDermott and a client, JPMorgan Chase. Days later, the assistant checked back in and unfortunately began the e-mail with “Hi Liz.”

Becton curtly replied, “Who is Liz?”

When the assistant wrote back with an apology, Becton turned up the heat. “I do not go by Liz. Where did you get your information?” she asked.

The back-and-forth went on for 19 e-mails, with the assistant apologizing six times if she had “offended” Becton, while Becton lectured about name-calling.

Question: Does Rep. Jim McDermott happen to sub-chair the committee on Anger Management?  If so, perhaps he could bring Liz Elizabeth for a ride-along sometime.

A big hat tip to Anne over at POLITICO for finding this sucker.

Read the entire delicious email chain here.