Kesher Talk

More Democratic primary highjinks: Rep. Sander Levin's opponent in a Democratic primary says the incumbent shouldn't represent the redrawn Detroit-area congressional district because he is liberal and Jewish. Michigan state Rep. William Callahan said redistricting has made the 12th District more conservative and mostly Roman Catholic.

"I mean, that man has never owned a Christmas tree. He's not a Christian. And I'm thinking, `Jeez, how can he represent me then?"' Callahan said in an interview. "And how can he if he believes in abortion and I don't or I'm an avid hunter and gun owner and he doesn't believe in it, how can he represent me?"

Levin, who is seeking an 11th term, issued a statement saying he wouldn't be distracted "by negative, personal attacks from any quarter and I don't think the voters will be distracted by them either."

Callahan said Levin's religious faith was appropriate when he represented the old district, which included many more Jewish voters. But under reapportionment, the district now has fewer Jews and more Catholics. Callahan is Catholic and was elected to the Michigan House in 1996. (with files from the AP)

UPDATE: The Jewish Week and the Destroit Jewish News are on the case as well.

UPDATE (July 16): The World Socialist Web Site reports that "The Michigan Democratic Party has indicated it will impose no sanctions against State Representative William Callahan, who recently said Sander Levin, his opponent in an August 6 primary election, could not represent voters in the 12th Congressional District because Levin was a “liberal” and a “Jew.” The United Auto Workers union and the Michigan AFL-CIO, which have close ties with Callahan, have similarly refused to demand the resignation or removal of the three-term state legislator."

posted by Howard @ 7/09/2002 12:23:50 PM