Michael Jackson Fans Raise Money To Defeat Peter King

There is, it turns out, a political price to pay when you make bold statements calling out Michael Jackson for some of the nefarious moments of his personal history.

Fans of Jackson are mobilizing to raise money for an opponent -- any opponent -- to run against Rep. Pete King, R-N.Y., following the critical remarks the congressman made about the recently deceased pop icon.

Over the weekend, King said that the media had gone far over the top in glorifying Jackson, who he deemed a "low-life" pervert who "may have been a good singer" and "did some dancing."

Now, an ActBlue fundraising site has been set up by "A fan of Michael Jackson" titled "Michael Jackson Fans AGAINST Peter King."

"Peter King ought to let Jackson rest in peace, and focus on the needs of his constituents. As we mourn the loss of an American legend, political grandstanding is not what we need right now!" the page reads. "Fans of Michael Jackson and his legacy stand united against Peter King's hateful words. Please donate here to show Peter King that true MJ fans won't stand for the smearing of a pop sensation!"

The fund is being set up to benefit the Democratic nominee for New York's third congressional district -- a reliable Republican stronghold. The problem is that at this time, there is no Democratic nominee. And King has flirted with a run for New York's governor's chair in 2010. Still, it will be interesting to see the extent to which Michael Jackson devotees can mobilize politically. Who would have thought that the King of Pop's legacy would become a partisan issue?

Get HuffPost Politics On Facebook and Twitter!

Comments

[Chocolate1950]

YOU GOTTA LOVE IT. " POWER TO THE PEOPLE"


PEACE

[respected]

Witness the power of the people!

[dadw5boys]

If Jackson is guilty without a conviction the every Republican that voted to change the Glass /Segal Act is guilty of Sedition right ?

Their votes have done grave harm to the USA right ?

[junior111]

Peter King's remarks against Micheal Jackson who still to be buried should not be forgotten come Nov. 2010.

[postman66]

I told a friend when I heard Peter King that this was predictable.

[kendra]

There's no such thing as bad publicity.

This is the most attention this man's gotten... EVER. He's a PR genius.

[DebbieinPhx]

So for those that may still have had doubts that the GOP has once and for all JUMPED the SHARK, may we present Exhibit A-1!!! What a maroon!!

[MsGee]

Also, if you are at the MJJ Memorial or know someone going, get the word out to his (at least) 1.6 million fans to do the same.

[NomadicView]

I can think of nothing that sums up the problems with the GOP better than this event. In a cynical attempt to grab headlines, King decided to forgo good sense and common decency ( in respect to the recently departed) and makes an inflammatory attack on a world-famous pop star in an unusually abrasive way. In exchange for cheap and momentary publicity, he has shown himself to be unworthy of anybody's vote. Yes, Michael Jackson, in his later years, was somewhat freakish, especially with regards to his addiction to facial reconstruction. Yes, there were rumors of improper behavior with children. All true, but all unproven. But, like Bachman, like Kern, like Palin, King, by making coarse and ill-considered public remarks, has needlessly chosen infamy over dignity.

[Khirad]

Well stated. I was just gonna say that there's an MJ story that finally caught my attention. Leave it to the Republicans to make their crusade against the "Liberal" media backfire.

[gladys46]

Good nite all people of good will !

[MsGee]

What Peter King said is called "SLANDER", not FREEDOM OF SPEECH". Hey all MJJ Fans go to website actblue.com and lets show this guy what freedom of speech really is.

[Ginger5]

He was rightly acquitted. What parent would allow their child to stay at the house of a grown man.

[Jim07]

I saw the Peter King video and dropped everything to send in my contribution to the Dem site to help get rid of the cockroach. He's decided to be judge ,jury and executioner And I don't want him anywhere near children or the constitution. God rest MJ.

[Taishevans]

What kind of parent would take the money and run if they knew it was true. Dont believe everything you hear. Media has tooooo much influence.

[Freenation]

peter king: another hypocrite in disguise of congressma­n....

[john hargrave]

I think Mr. Kings career maybe short lived.

[gladys46]

it really ticks me when people say that Michael was a "man child" .... I can accept a person with a child's heart ... after all so-called "christians" preach that people must come as a "child" to G od ! But, I do so loathe hypocrisy !!