NY-22 Minute: Tenney States Many Mass Murderers Are Democrats By Luke Perry
This morning Representative Tenney claimed without evidence that "it's interesting that so many of these people that commit the mass murders end up being Democrats. But the media doesn't talk about that." The comments were made on Focus On The State Capitol with Fred Dicker.
Photo by New York Times
“What scares me the most,” Tenney explained, was that “a lot of legal gun owners are going to be targeted now.” (interview starts at 26:00 minute mark)
This evening the story went national in the Associated Press, CNN, The New York Times, The Huff Post, The Hill, and Roll Call.
Anthony Brindisi, the Democratic challenger, responded via Twitter:
“First, RepTenney said Democrats are un-American. Now this. This toxic rhetoric is shameful and a new low even for Ms. Tenney. Inserting politics into a national tragedy is beyond the pale & disgusting. She should apologize now to spare our region any more national embarrassment.”
Tenney’s campaign later issued a statement after multiple news organization sought evidence and explanation surrounding her comments:
"I am fed up with the media and liberals attempting to politicize tragedies and demonize law-abiding gun owners and conservative Americans every time there is a horrible tragedy. While we know the perpetrators of these atrocities have a wide variety of political views, my comments are in response to a question about the failure to prosecute illegal gun crime. I will continue to stand up for law-abiding citizens who are smeared by anti-gun liberal elitists."
Larry Sabato, Director of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at The University of Virginia Center of Politics, responded via Twitter: “Is this not one of the dumbest, most inappropriate comments EVER?”
Tenney’s recent comments help explain how a Republican incumbent in a predominately Republican district is currently in a toss-up reelection race.
Luke Perry (@PolSciLukePerry) is Chair and Professor of Government at Utica College.
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