"Our commissioners were following the story in the media about
Congressman King's comments regarding presidential candidate Senator
Obama, and they were wondering what role the commission should have,
if any, about that kind of speech," said Ralph Rosenberg, the
commission's executive director. On Thursday, the Iowa Civil Rights
Commission will discuss how it should respond when public officials --
like controversial U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron -- make "hate
comments." King earlier this month said if Democratic presidential
candidate Sen. Barack Obama were elected president, Al-Qaeda would be
"dancing in the streets." Rosenberg said a commissioner found King's
remarks distasteful.

Labels: civil rights, Steve King