Oct 21, 2008

NY-29: Randy Kuhl joins Hayes & Bachmann in the GOP Hall of Shame

First, Representative Michelle Bachman (MN-06) made her "anti-American" comments that question the patriotism of people she disagrees with.

Then, Representative Robin Hayes (NC-08) said that people who don't agree with him "hate real Americans that work and achieve and believe in God."

NOW, Representative Randy Kuhl (NY-29) was caught saying that "the Democratic majority wants the American public to suffer and to hurt so that they can make some political gains at election time."

These fear mongering comments by endangered incumbents like Representatvies Michele Bachmann, Robin Hayes, and Randy Kuhl show that desperate House Republicans will go to any length to get re-elected.

Kuhl: Dems want "the American public to suffer"

The Hill
By Aaron Blake
Posted: 10/21/08 05:52 PM [ET]

Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-N.Y.) says in a video posted to the Internet by his opponent that Democrats in Congress want people to suffer in order to improve their political fortunes.

In the context of criticizing the Democratic majority for its lack of action on issues like immigration and Social Security, Kuhl suggests that Democrats have deliberately slow-rolled legislation for their personal gain.

"I firmly believe the Democratic majority wants the American public to suffer and to hurt so that they can make some political gains at election time, and I think that's wrong," Kuhl says.

The video was recorded in early August by WHAM-TV in Rochester, N.Y. It was posted on YouTube by Democratic challenger Eric Massa's campaign on Tuesday, but was quickly taken down.

Massa spokesman Jared Smith said the YouTube video was taken down because the campaign found a copy on the WHAM-TV website.

The video can be seen here (The comments begin around the 13:25 mark):

Kuhl's campaign did not immediately offer comment.

The lawmaker is the latest vulnerable House Republican to characterize Democrats as working counter to the interests of Americans.

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) caused a firestorm recently when she suggested that Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) held "anti-American" views.

Her comments have thrown her previously safe seat into jeopardy. Democratic opponent Elwyn Tinklenberg's campaign said it has raised more than $1 million in the last four days.

Similarly, in North Carolina, Rep. Robin Hayes (R) said prior to a John McCain rally Saturday that "liberals hate real Americans that work and achieve and believe in God."

Hayes is facing repeat candidate Larry Kissell (D), whom he defeated by just more than 300 votes in 2006.

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