Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) released the following statement condemning comments made by Iowa’s Congressional Representative Steve King:

“Hate and bigotry have no place in the halls of government. I wholeheartedly condemn Representative Steve King’s anti-Semitic and racist remarks. White supremacy is an ugly stain on the cloth of American history. There is no defense that can wipe away that stain. Racism has been, and always will be, unacceptable.

“The people of Iowa and this nation deserve better from those we elect to sit in Congress. How can anyone with these views claim to be of the same party as President Lincoln? Rep. King’s comments are not representative of who we are as Republicans. We must continue to speak out against hate, and religious or racial intolerance, no matter which party the offender belongs to.”

Senator Pennacchio, a staunch defender of separation of church and state, has previously condemned other Congressional representatives for displaying bigotry and religious intolerance.

“I urge Rep. King to issue an apology without justifications.  In the meantime, I hope that others will continue to work to hold our elected officials to higher standards, regardless of which side of the aisle they sit on,” Pennacchio concluded.