Democrat Quits Party Leadership Post Because of "Anti-Semitic" Remarks

Moran Quits Party Leadership Post


By R.H. Melton
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, March 14, 2003; 7:20 PM


Embattled U.S. Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D) quit his House leadership post today for making what he called "insensitive" remarks about Jews pushing the nation into war with Iraq.

Moran said he gave up his position as a regional Whip for the House Democrats "as a way to demonstrate acceptance of responsibility" for his controversial comments at a March 3 anti-war forum in Reston, when he said, "If it were not for the strong support of the Jewish community for this war with Iraq, we would not be doing this."

"I will continue to reach out to the Jewish community and others who were offended by my remarks," Moran said in a statement released by his office. "And I will work tirelessly for all of my constituents in Northern Virginia, as I have done throughout my 13 years in Congress. Most importantly, I will strive to learn from my mistakes and listen to the concerns of my constituents."

Moran's repeated apologies for the remarks haven't ended the criticism of him, and several Democrats say they're considering challenging Moran in a primary next year if he runs. Katherine K. Hanley, the Board of Supervisors chairman in Fairfax County, said she is exploring a campaign in Virginia's 8th District, as is state Sen. Leslie L. Byrne (Fairfax), a former member of Congress.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement that she asked Moran to step down, although Moran advisers said he first offered to do so in a meeting with Pelosi on Thursday. Pelosi said Moran's "irresponsible remarks were a serious mistake."

"As I said earlier this week, his comments were not only inappropriate, they were offensive and have no place in the Democratic Party," Pelosi said.

Moran's remarks also have drawn rebukes from White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, Senate Minority Leader Thomas A. Daschle (D-S.D.) and Sen. George Allen (R-Va.).


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