SC Republicans Apologize for Jewish Slur

They praised DeMint by using stereotype of miserly Jew
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 20, 2009 4:26 PM CDT
SC Republicans Apologize for Jewish Slur
U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-.S.C., talks to the media about South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford in July.   (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

Two GOP county chairs in South Carolina today apologized for a weekend op-ed in which they praised Sen. Jim DeMint by invoking the stereotype of a Jew "watching our nation's pennies." James Ulmer wrote that he "meant absolutely nothing derogatory" by the essay. "I quoted a statement which I have heard many times in my life, truly in admiration for a method of bettering one's lot in life," notes Salon.

"I sincerely apologize for this great error. If I had quoted that great man from Pennsylvania, Ben Franklin, using his, 'A penny saved is a penny earned,' I doubt I would be writing this note." His co-author released a separate apology. DeMint himself issued a statement to CNN calling the original remarks "thoughtless and hurtful." (More Jim DeMint stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X