INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita says a default could be a good tool for cutting federal spending.
 
The Indiana Republican told WIBC-FM Monday that the nation would not necessarily “default” if the debt ceiling is not raised this week. The government would have to “prioritize” spending instead.
 
A measure to raise the debt ceiling is the latest roadblock in Washington as the federal government enters its third week on shutdown. 

Rokita's gaffes earlier this month earned him national heckling at the start of the shutdown. He was lampooned extensively after calling a female CNN anchor “beautiful” and describing the health care law as “insidious.“  But he defended himself Monday, saying host Jon Stewart of The Daily Show on Comedy Central should look up the definition of “insidious.”