Congressman refuses to quit over comments about Jews (Jim Moron-D)

al.com ^ | 3/11/03 | Candace Smith

[LdSentinal]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Virginia Rep. Jim Moran, strongly criticized by colleagues and Jewish leaders, apologized Tuesday for his comments that Jewish support for war with Iraq was helping the administration move toward an attack.

Moran said he didn't blame some critics for urging him to step down, but he said, "I don't intend to resign."

The northern Virginia Democrat apologized for remarks he made at a March 3 forum at a local church. Moran, 57, told a crowd of about 120 people, "If it were not for the strong support of the Jewish community for this war with Iraq we would not be doing this." He added, "The leaders of the Jewish community are influential enough that they could change the direction of where this is going and I think they should."

He said he framed his comments in that way because he was responding to a questioner who said she was Jewish. "I regret doing that," he said.

The story brought criticism from both friends and foes.

White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said, "These remarks are shocking. They are wrong and they should not have been said."

Within the seven-term congressman's party, Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle said, "It's a sad day when comments like that are made. They debase the debate and they have no purpose."

Moran's House leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, said, "Congressman Moran's comments were not only inappropriate they were offensive." But she added that he had "properly apologized."

Moran scrambled to mend fences, meeting with at least one northern Virginia rabbi and trying to set up a meeting with others.

"I'm going to make myself available even if it's only to give people an opportunity to scream and yell at me because if it does lead to some constructive dialogue that would be even better," Moran said.

Some Jewish leaders were not impressed. "I do not believe he's fit for public office," said Ronald Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Washington. "His ethical lapses and comments should force him to do some soul searching."

Moran has faced criticism in the past over a string of personal financial problems and ethics controversies over his acceptance of loans from parties with interests before Congress.

[JohnnyZ]

Moran beat computer consultant Scott Tate 60-37 in 2002, down from 63% in 2000. Tate spend a whole 50k in his bid for office, while Moran spent 1.5 mil. Any prospects for kicking him out in 2004?

[CFC__VRWC]

Why should he stop. He is a Democrat...they are never held accountable.
Trust me...he will get away with it.

Yup, and when 2004 rolls around, he'll probably get 95%+ of the Jewish vote in his district.

[dinok]

Jewish Democrats...proof that both parties have cool-aid drinkers.

How many times Clinton tried to sell out Israel?

I know some Jewish conservatives...(One a '56 and 67 war vet) They think Jewish liberals are batty as well.

But them I'm greek and half my family are socialists. We all have loonies in our clans.

[CFC__VRWC]

I know some Jewish conservatives...(One a '56 and 67 war vet) They think Jewish liberals are batty as well.

I know there's some out there (the folks in JPFO are the ones that stand out to me). I was in Israel back in '90 during Desert Storm; the Israeli Jews are a completely different breed than their American counterparts, probably because they have to deal with the Palestinian terror threat directly, on a daily basis. They don't have our liberal media filter that presents a romanticized view of Arafat's goons as oppressed "freedom fighters" battling an occupation force with only rocks and clubs.

I remember catching a segment on Jewish liberals on Gordon Liddy's show a while back. I don't remember his guest's name, but I do remember that he said American Jews had substituted liberalism for Judaism as their religion. I guess that's as good an explanation as any.

[turbojugend]

we need more r voters to move into alexandria. i love it here, but it really is a cesspit of volvo reds who love jim moron and - ugh - patsy ticer.

[bart99]

Two words

"Trent Lott"


and where is the outrage in the press or from the democratic leadership? My gosh...... I'm stunned about this. This guy is in MY district. I may have to become a political activist for a change!

[eleni121]

But them I'm greek and half my family are socialists.

Yia sou! Well, I 'm of Greek origin too but certainly no socialist at least not any more. By the way, there are other Greek American/Canadians on FreeRepublic as well and not one is a socialist. I think the flirtation with socialism in Greece is temporary though.

[bart99]

Savage has his whole radio program devoted to this.... and of course is astounded at the silence by the non-respose to Moran's comments. Really a good program. Must be cause there is a guest host?? *just kidding*

[attagirl]

So are you saying that the Jewish community has no influence?

[timestax]

Only the Republicans will weed out the bad apples. The Dems will stand behind theirs, no matter how offensive they are. 7 posted on 03/11/2003 4:11 PM PST by RJayneJ [

DITTO ! they demand it of their politicos!!

[LdSentinal]

Any prospects for kicking him out in 2004?

Republicans made his 8th district much more Democratic by giving Congressman Tom Davis (R) in the 11th district Republican territory.

After redistricting, the 8th district:

Gore: 57.6%
Bush: 37.6%
Nader: 4.0%

Virginia: New Congressional Districts for 2002

[Spirited]

"where is the outrage in the press or from the democratic leadership?"

Wonder whether it's because he was bold enough to express their inner thought patterns. They need for someone like Hannity to put it to them AND drag in a Trent Lott log.

This favored friend of Hillary has also offended the black community but along with the Jewish segment they will trip to the polls and in slave-like fashion vote for whatever floats in the Democratic column.

Enrich your experience by reading this: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/717675/posts

I am constrained, however, to say that any R who ran here would not dare to vote very much differently. This flotsam "represents" me. Only heaven can help us.

[LibertyGirl77]

Anyone feel like helping me defeat this guy in '06?

[timestax]

bump

[timestax]

He must quit !!

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bttt

[timestax]

bumping for newbies to read!

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bump to the top

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bumping for newbies and patriots

[timestax]

He must be made to resign!!