Republican Congressman Criticizes Palin Rallies

Veteran Republican Congressman Ray LaHood criticized his party's vice presidential nominee Friday, saying that Sarah Palin's vitriolic campaign rallies ""don't befit the office she's running for."

Rep. LaHood, who has represented Illinois' 18th district for seven terms and is retiring in January, told WBBM Radio that Palin should control the racially-charged heckling at her rallies:

"Look it. This doesn't befit the office that she's running for. And frankly, people don't like it."

Some of the names Obama is being called, which include "terrorist" and "traitor," "certainly don't reflect the nature of the man," LaHood said to WBBM.

LaHood supports John McCain's candidacy, but warned that the heckling could backfire on the Republican ticket.

Comments

[WFV]

Could backfire? Seen the poll numbers today?

Their behavior is unforgiveable. If they come to my town in Pennsylvania, I will make a sign and protest.

[illinoisan]

"Look it." Is that really how we sound here in Central Illinois?

[okayigive]

WARNING!!! Please do not click any link with tinyurl.com. Some senseless minion is out doing the dirty work of the reps by jumping from one story after another passing along a virus.

[reverendadam]

Heckuva Christian, that Palin. I'm trying to remember where Christ stoked hatred, anger and violence. The Sermon on the Mount?

[doogiedude]

The Crusades come to mind.

[oafishcad]

Christ never stoked violence.

[DEFIANCE]

You must not have read the comment.

The point is that activities like those of McCain / Palin and the Crusades ARE NOT PART OF THE CHRISTIAN BELIEF SYSTEM!

You aren't doing much good to paint christians with the same brush used for Sarah Palin.

Remember that Obama is christian and that this has informed his outlook, values, ideas, and beliefs before you speak next time.

[11907281]

Salem witch trials?

[TimmySlagle]

see: the Moneychangers

[weneedaLEADER]

If you read the story correctly, Jesus was throwing out imposters posing as religious leaders. Just as we shld throw McCain back to whatever rock he crawled from beneath.

[Zingaro Zorro]

When you run for the office of second-best bigot and you really want to be first, you will say anything to out-maneuver your running mate.

Right!?!?

[Gidster]

St. Paul arrested some people for inciting a riot, and they were just in the area where protesters were, Palin is actively rabble rousing. It is dangerous and divisive.
It is also beneath the office of VP.

[quinniebear]

Ray LaHood is my congressman and I have never been as proud of him as I am today. Thank you Ray LaHood.

[LemonMeringue]

The McEvil camp has scored a coup because the Troopergate report will not come out until end of news day on a Friday - thanks to Alaska time zone.

[SantaFeStars]

The B**** had the audacity to say that Obama would diminish the Office of the Presidency! Let me tell you Sarah, you are the laughing stock of the world and would not bring any credibility or honor if elected VP!

[Shieldmaiden]

Ray LaHood - for a guy condemning racist tactics, he has the most unfortunate name!

[Nia1999]

Also, Please contact the U.S. Department of Justice and report Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin for inciting a riot. Its our Constitutional Right and is under the guidlines of our Homeland Security Act to demand to be protected against these kinds of behavior.

[newdreams]

The CHEESIEST run at the White House in existence ever.

[oafishcad]

Not really, but Palin is one of the least qualified people ever to come this close.

[BlueAsh]

It's about time high-profile Republicans come out and denounce the hate-mongering that the Palin/McCain campaign is doing. LaHood couched his criticism in his concern for his Party when he should denounce Palin/McCain regardless of the impact on his Party alone. This matter is central to our democracy and to the integrity of both parties involved.

William F. Buckley's son spoke up. George Will and David Brooks spoke up. Why can't these law-makers--who ought to care---not taking a stand?

[Kwaayesnama]

Sarah Palin and me.

I wish to share my views on Sarah Palin with you; she and I have a lot of things in common.

My education matches hers it took years for me to earn my degree taking a few courses at a time here and there, so we have that in common.

I was president of my PTA and an officer in my woman’s club, we have that in common.

I was a soccer, baseball, and basketball mom, we have that in common.

I own a small business where I make out budgets, so you could call me an executive.

I am married to a Joe six-pack, but he says he is a Joe 12 pack. I wish we did not have that in common.

I have three children and five grandchildren. She’s catching up to me.

I am a catholic and have never had an abortion. I used birth control when I was too old to safely have a healthy child.

I will be voting for Obama. Why? Because I would never presume that I have the intellect and education to be ½ a breath away from being the leader of the most powerful nation in the world. It takes more then charm and snappy remarks to have my finger on the nuclear button. That is something that speechwriters and pundits can’t teach a candidate in a few weeks. Sorry I want intelligence running this nation.

[jp5472]

This should be made into a campaign ad....beautifully composed. Thank you!

[dawnbc1]

Thank you.

[esgabel]

Thank You, but in your humility you showed more class and intelligence than Sara has from day one...

[WFV]

Excellent post. I am proud of you!

[minty68]

You are far more intelligent than you give yourself credit for.

[aznurse]

McSmirk and Smirkette will have a lot to answer for if this whole thing turns violent.

[booker52]

Too true!!!