WASHINGTON – Following President Barack Obama’s controversial decision to support the construction of a mosque near Ground Zero in New York City, countless individuals have stepped forward and shared their position on this issue, including Hamas’ co-founder, Mahmoud al-Zahar, who said Muslims “have to build” the mosque.The contentious issue has splintered national leaders of President Obama’s party, including Democrat Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chairman U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), who suggested that those who oppose the construction of this mosque don’t understand “what the Constitution is all about.”
Facing an uphill reelection battle in November, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) sought to distance himself from Obama and Menendez today as his campaign issued a statement asserting that “the mosque should be built some place else.”
Reid’s political maneuvering comes on the heels of statements from the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Tim Kaine, who claimed that Democrats who distance themselves from the President are “crazy.”
Meanwhile amid this politically-charged intra-party controversy, appointed U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) has failed to explain his position on the construction of a mosque near Ground Zero.
“With his fellow Washington Democrats at odds, Michael Bennet needs to tell Colorado voters who he agrees with: His Senate Leader Harry Reid, or his national party leader President Obama?” asked National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokeswoman Amber Marchand. “After helping Obama and Reid ram their costly economic agenda into law in Washington, Bennet can’t have it both ways, and he owes it to voters to make his position clear.”
