http://mycn2.com/politics/state-sen-thayer-s-comments-at-tea-party-rally-spark-response-from-fellow-legislator

Publication Date: August 27, 2012

Author: Jacqueline Pitts

Thayer's comments at Tea Party rally spark response from Democratic representative

08/27/2012 03:32 PM

An angry response from state Representative Darryl Owens of Louisville revolves around a statement made by state Senator Damon Thayer of Georgetown last week at the affordable care rally in Frankfort.

Democratic Rep. Darryl Owens criticized Thayer for adding fuel to the “birther” movement – which contends Barack Obama was not born in the United States.

Owens sent Thayer a letter stating the following:

“When someone in the crowd responded ‘Kenya’ your reaction appeared to give credence to the odious concept. You had an opportunity to have your own McCain Moment and correct or dispel that false claim, but you chose to grin and look pleased,” Owens said in his letter to Thayer.

“Elected officials are expected to speak against their opponents’ policy and platforms at political rallies. However, I believe legislators have an obligation to steer away from inspiring hatred, breeding contempt, and perpetuating lies.”

Owens told Thayer in the letter he expected better from him and that he had the chance to portray his sense of civility and he “blew it”.

Jacqueline Pitts

Jacqueline Pitts joined the cn|2 political team in June 2012. A graduate of WKU, Jacqueline grew up in Nashville, TN and is looking forward to having a front row seat to Kentucky politics. Follow Jacqueline on Twitter @Jacqueline_cn2. She can be reached at 502-792-1114 or jacqueline.pitts@twcable.com.

Comments

  • Michael Strunk wrote on August 27, 2012 07:09 PM :

    Damon Thayer is clutch. Even if he does adopt the birther outlook, his representation has been exemplary. This is a case of some dem finding an opportunity to speak to an issue that is not present, a democrat favorite when confronting an individual who isn’t able to be attacked on anything else because he is so squared away.

  • MikeTirp wrote on August 27, 2012 07:41 PM :

    Since when is it Damon Thayer’s responsibility to defend Obama. That is the responsibility of the Courier journal and the other Democrats. Why are dems so thin skinned about this issue? What is it that scares them so much?

  • Carol Mueller wrote on August 28, 2012 10:10 AM :

    The only defense a liar has about their lies is that people are too thin-skinned. Calling people who do not tolerate lies “thin-skinned” says that you don’t think the truth should matter. And you don’t.

  • Cat Balz wrote on August 28, 2012 11:34 AM :

    For years Obama allowed a New York publicist/agent to claim that he was born in Kenya. Was that agency which Obama chose to hawk his writings racist?

  • Ed Marksberry wrote on August 28, 2012 11:51 AM :

    Here is a link to what I said two years ago during our congressioanl campaign and I believe this should be everyone’s answer to the birther issue!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFUEDNzGHmQ

  • Cat Balz wrote on August 28, 2012 06:12 PM :

    McCain moment? Translation..losing to Urkel.

What do you have to say?





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