Posted on 03/11/2003 3:54:57 PM PST by 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.
Yeah, buddy, you got THAT RIGHT!!
Yep, have to agree. It's all forgotten now, last weeks meatloaf!
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