Rock Island County Democratic Party Chair Doug House today expressed deep disappointment with his counterpart's decision to allow a controversial speaker to headline their party's Lincoln Day Dinner.
"Abraham Lincoln, who stood for unity, would be appalled at the divisive and hateful words expressed by the Rev. Don Johnson," said House.
House issued the following statement this morning:
"On behalf of the Rock Island County Democratic Party, and more importantly on behalf of citizens throughout Rock Island County, I am appalled that the Rock Island County Republican Party would headline a speaker with such extremist and dangerous views.
"The Rev. Johnson's views are so out of touch with the views of mainstream Americans and our county's residents that the Republican Party's own candidate for Governor will not appear with him.
"Today I call on Bobby Schilling, and the Rock Island County Republican Party led by Bill Bloom, to denounce those extremist views. I also think they should do what's right by one of our nation's greatest Presidents - Abraham Lincoln - and cancel the Rev. Johnson's speech.
"Abraham Lincoln, who preached unity, would be appalled at the divisive and hateful words expressed by the Rev. Don Johnson.
"The Rock Island County Democratic Party, which is reflective of the county in which we live, will continue to be inclusive. We Democrats embrace our community's diversity and recognize it as a strength that has built the place we proudly call the Quad Cities."
