76°
Christopher Healy, head of the state Republican Party, defended the controversial statements about Muslims made by Bridgeport Republican Town Chairman Rick Torres during a debate last week. Torres, a candidate for the 4th district congressional seat, said, "It turns out, folks, they are here, they're among us. We are at war with Islam. I don't tolerate people who are not tolerant."
In an interview on Saturday, Healy said, I think it is clear as a nation we are at war with Islamic fascism and Islamic terrorism. But I don't think any Republican, including Torres, thinks that we are or should go to war with people who practice their religion peacefully. There are peaceful groups, and there are sects around the world that want to hurt us.
Healy went on to blast Rep. Jim Himes, a Democrat and the current holder of the seat. He said that Himes and the majority of Democrats don't understand or acknowledge that extremist groups are out there, hiding and ready to act.
Nancy DiNardo, chair of the state Democratic Party, said, "That type of extreme thinking is something that is typical of Republicans. It shows a lack of understanding of terrorism, immigraton and Islam."
State Sen. Bob Duff, D-25, said, "Voters need to send thoughtful leaders to Congress who will work to make America safer, not those who pound their chests looking for the best applause line. The stakes are too high for all of us."
On Friday, the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, protested Torres comments. "Rick Torres is completely out of touch with reality and contradicts statements made by his partys own leaders," said the council chapter's Executive Director Mongi Dhaoudi. "Presidents Bush and Obama have both said America is not at war with Islam, and local and national media outlets have frequently reported on the strong American Muslim repudiation of terror."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
