DES MOINES – In response to Rep. Steve King’s most recent display of racism, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Derek Eadon issued the following statement:
“Iowa has a rich history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, and we strongly condemn King’s words. Governor Branstad and Kim Reynolds have shared the stage with King and continue to stand beside him. It’s not enough to simply disagree with King by saying his behavior is not indicative of “Iowa values”. King deserves a swift and sharp rebuke from all Iowa GOP leaders. Reynolds condoned King’s history of racist statements by throwing her support to King during last year’s primary.
“King’s remarks come just a week after a synagogue was threatened in Mason City. Iowans are angry. They are scared. They are sick and tired of being associated with King’s despicable behavior. Donald Trump’s hate-based presidential campaign emboldened racists like Rep. Steve King and David Duke. If the Iowa GOP is serious about condemning King’s racism they should remove his name from any future Republican Party sponsored events and fundraisers, and join us in a call for King to be censured.”
Background: Yesterday, Congressman Steve King (IA-04) used his twitter account to promote white nationalism. Notorious KKK leader David Duke applauded King’s statement. King double downed on his statement again this morning. King’s comments come just days after a synagogue in King’s district received a threatening message on its voicemail.
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