Instead of Taking His Money, McCotter Should Denounce Allen's History of Racial Divisiveness and Insensitivity

Today, Michigan Republican Congressman Thaddeus McCotter is quietly attending a fundraiser in Washington, DC with Virginia Republican Senator George Allen. Congressman McCotter's decision to stand with Senator Allen-albeit more than 500 miles from home-comes less that one month after the senator's controversial and offensive comments about an Indian-American staffer for his opponent, Democratic Senate candidate Jim Webb.

The controversy surrounding Senator Allen's comments shed new light on the senator's long history of cozying up to far-right wing segregationist groups and insensitivity towards Americans of diverse backgrounds. In an attempt to garner right-wing support, George Allen cozied up to the Council of Conservative Citizens, a well known segregationist group and successor to the White Citizens Council. The White Citizens Council was one of the largest white supremacist groups in the country. [The Nation, 8/29/06]

Despite George Allen's troublesome ties to discriminatory groups and his derogatory remarks, Congressman McCotter is seeking to bolster his reelection campaign by raising money with Allen at a fundraiser at the Hotel George in Washington, DC.

"Instead of raising money from George Allen and his friends in Washington, Congressman McCotter should be condemning the Senator's offensive and derogatory behavior," said Democratic National Committee spokesman Damien LaVera. "Holding this fundraiser 500 miles away from home doesn't change the fact that, by standing with Senator Allen, Congressman McCotter is sending his constituents a clear message endorsing Senator Allen and his completely inappropriate behavior."