Rep. Steve King: DOJ Ruling Will "Reverse" The Work Of "Centuries Of Abolitionists"

A few months ago, Rep. Steve King (R-IA) was the only member of Congress to vote against a resolution to recognize the contribution of slave labor in building the U.S. Capitol by placing a marker in the Capitol Visitor Center.  King defended his bizarre stand by arguing that the resolution didn't give a "balanced depiction of history," because it didn't also acknowledge the white Americans who died fighting to end slavery. 

Considering statements like that, among others, it's tough to take King seriously when he issues a press release like the one he put out today.  In the release, King decries a recent DOJ decision for "revers[ing]" the work of "centuries of abolitionists" and Martin Luther King, Jr.  

Martin Luther King Jr. longed for a day 'when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.' King and centuries of abolitionists dreamed of a time when men and women of all races could vote and equally participate in society irrespective of skin color or ethnicity. This DOJ decision sets in reverse everything these heroes worked for.

The DOJ has no business overruling a local election and should not be putting an emphasis on race. The DOJ is essentially insulting African-American voters by saying that they are not smart enough to vote for candidates that do not have a D by their names.

King's main gripe seems to be that the decision, which reinstates party identification for candidates in Kinston, NC, will result in fewer votes for Republicans.  So, while there could be legitimate issues with DOJ's ruling, don't be fooled into believing King is suddenly concerned about racism.