McClatchy Washington Bureau

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WASHINGTON - Republicans are stepping up their campaign against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, launching a petition drive to "fire" her and suggesting the San Francisco Democrat needs to be "put in her place" for expressing her views on the war in Afghanistan.

The attacks on Pelosi were a constant sideshow on Capitol Hill this week, prompting charges of sexism against the GOP.

The controversy began Monday when the speaker went on television to question Gen. Stanley McChrystal's handling of the war in Afghanistan.

On Tuesday, the National Republican Campaign Committee called the House speaker "General Pelosi." NRCC communications director Ken Spain said: "If Nancy Pelosi's failed economic policies are any indicator of the effect she may have on Afghanistan, taxpayers can only hope McChrystal is able to put her in her place."

At her weekly briefing on Thursday, Pelosi said: "It's really sad they really don't understand how inappropriate that is. I'm in my place. I'm the speaker of the House, and I'm in my place because the House of Representatives voted me there."

Pelosi's allies in the California delegation were quick to give her a thumbs-up on Friday.

"Nancy had it exactly right," said Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer. "I couldn't have said it any better."

Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier said Pelosi "is in her place" and did nothing wrong: "The National Republican Congressional Committee might not like it, but ours is still a civilian-led democracy and voters expect their elected leaders to scrutinize and question any decision that puts American men and women in harm's way."

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein had nothing to add, said her spokesman, Gil Duran: "The speaker addressed the issue quite eloquently."

In a television interview with Charlie Rose on Monday, Pelosi said McChrystal's request for more troops in Afghanistan should be made by going up through the chain of command instead of through the press.

Spain said Pelosi should leave military matters to the military.

"Rather than listening to a four-star general's assessments on Afghanistan, General Pelosi somehow believes she is better suited to craft our country's military policy," Spain said.

Addressing reporters Thursday, Pelosi seemed surprised that Spain said she needed to be "put in her place."

"That language is something I haven't even heard in decades," she said.

Democratic Rep. Doris Matsui of Sacramento defended Pelosi's right to speak out on the war.

"Congress is an equal partner in the constitutional structure that governs how America makes war. Without Congress, war cannot be declared and our military cannot be funded," Matsui said.

The NRCC is not backing away from its statement. It kicked off a drive aimed at gathering 204,997 signatures � the number of votes Pelosi received in the last election, plus one � to "fire Pelosi" in 2010 for "kowtowing to the far left" and putting national security at risk.