Who Will Break GOP’s Silence on Goode Comments?Since news of anti-Muslim comments by Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA) surfaced a few days ago, a number of public figures and groups have cried foul. But so far, we haven’t spotted a single Republican making a comment on the topic.
Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell (NJ) called Goode’s remarks, made in a letter to several hundred constituents, “personally offensive.” Incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) also said she found Goode’s invection against Muslim immigration “offensive.” And two prominent organizations — one Islamic, the other Jewish — have both spoken out against Goode.
So I got to dialing. First I tried Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), incoming minority leader. His spokesman wasn’t available; I left a message and sent an email.
Next I rang Rep. Roy Blunt’s (R-OH) office. He’s the House Republican whip. A spokeswoman promised to let me know if his office planned to make a statement.
I’ll keep calling. Surely, on this holiday eve, there is one Republican who wants to speak publicly for goodwill towards others, even if they’re Muslim.