Updated October 20, 2 p.m. ET
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is firing back at an attack from their counterparts at the NRCC, who released a web video Thursday that accused DCCC head Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) of supporting anti-Semitic demonstrators at the Occupy Wall Street protests.
In an e-mail to the DCCC supporter list, Steve Israel declares: “The extreme right wing has launched an outrageous attack to distract us from their reckless economic policies: They are questioning my commitment to my own religion.”
He also adds: “They’re attacking me to try to silence you — because they think it’s wrong that you’re frustrated and even angry about what Republicans are trying to do to this country. The personal attacks they’ve launched on me for standing with you are nothing in comparison to the hardships faced by middle income families across America every day.”
The full e-mail:
[Recipient’s name] —
Today they hit a new low.
The extreme right wing has launched an outrageous attack to distract us from their reckless economic policies: They are questioning my commitment to my own religion.
Hard working people are standing with middle income families across the country who are angry about Republican policies that failed them. The American people are outraged, and they have every right to be.
In response, over the last 24 hours, National Republicans have started personally attacking me by questioning my commitment to my own Jewish community.
I’m proud of my Jewish faith and heritage, of my leadership for Israel’s safety and security and my strong fight against the serious threats of anti-Semitism. It is outrageous that national Republicans are questioning that.
Please stand with us and sign our petition to the NRCC and Washington Republicans to stop the disgraceful attacks and start a real debate about jobs and how we can move America forward.
They’re attacking me to try to silence you — because they think it’s wrong that you’re frustrated and even angry about what Republicans are trying to do to this country. The personal attacks they’ve launched on me for standing with you are nothing in comparison to the hardships faced by middle income families across America every day.
Americans deserve a debate about our ideas. They deserve answers and solutions that rebuild the middle class and restore the American dream. They deserve representatives that make the middle class a priority again.
They can come at me as hard as they want, but I’m not backing down. Will you continue to stand with me? Stand with us today >>
Your Friend,Steve Israel
DCCC Chairman
Late Update: When asked for comment by TPM, NRCC spokesman John Randall gave us this statement:
Perhaps DCCC Chairman, Steve Israel, should direct his outrage and indignation towards the Occupy Wall Street protesters highlighted in this video. In his appeal, Obama’s top Lieutenant does not condemn even one act or anti-Semitic statement made by those he stands with.
The DCCC can do their best to distract from the fact they have urged their supporters to stand with the Occupy Wall Street protesters, but their efforts will fail – just like their fiscal policy.
