For Immediate Release
November 9, 2017

Contact: Jeff Bartley
Executive Director, VTGOP
jeff@vtgop.org, 802-223-3411

Congressman Ellison: Extreme, Reckless & Wrong
Congressman’s views offer a grim reflection of the VDP

(Berlin, VT) -- “The Vermont Democratic Party (VDP) is eager to feature a congressman with extreme views and a history of belligerent and anti-semitic statements to raise desperately needed cash. The VDP’s decision to bring U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, vice-chair of the debilitated and scandal-plagued Democratic National Committee (DNC), is an unfortunate decision that only highlights how out-of-touch Vermont’s Democratic Party has become with Vermont values.

“Vermonters deserve to know what the Vermont Democratic Party stands for and who truly is in charge.

“Instead of embracing Congressman Ellison -- who was defeated as too extreme in his race for DNC chair earlier this year -- Vermont Democrats and Progressives should condemn the Congressman’s statements, not raise money off of them.”  -- Jeff Bartley, Executive Director, Vermont Republican Party

Sample of Congressman Ellison’s Public Record.

Congressman Ellison has a History of Siding with Dictators and Terrorists

Ellison Interviewed and Considered Himself A Supporter Of Sara Jane Olson, A Woman “Convicted of Trying To Bomb A Los Angeles Police Car” And Later Stood By His Support As “Standing Up For The Right Of People To Defend Their Political Beliefs”

After Olson Pleaded Guilty, Ellison Said “He Doesn’t Regret Supporting Her” Noting, “‘I Don’t Regret Standing Up For The Right Of People To Defend Their Political Beliefs.’” “Now that she has pleaded guilty, Ellison says he doesn't know what to make of the Olson case, but he doesn’t regret supporting her. ‘I don't regret standing up for the right of people to defend their political beliefs,’ he said.” (Kevin Featherly, “North Side Versus Downtown,” The Journal, 4/20/07)

“On October 31, 2001, Olson Pleaded Guilty To Two Counts Of Attempting To Ignite A Destructive Device Or Explosive.” (Elliot McLaughlin, “‘70s Radical Sara Jane Olson Released From Prison,” CNN, 3/17/09)

In January 2002, Olson Was Sentenced To 20 Years To Life “For Conspiring To Blow Up Police Cars In 1975”

Congressman Ellison has a Record of Anti-Semitism

In A 2010 Speech At A Campaign Fundraiser On Behalf Of Esam Omeish, A Libyan-Born Activist Who Endorsed Palestinian “Jihad” Against Israel, Ellison Promoted An Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Theory. “Minnesota Rep. and DNC chair frontrunner Keith Ellison promoted an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory in a 2010 speech to a mostly Muslim audience, newly released audio reveals. Ellison, whom a major Democratic donor has said is ‘clearly an anti-Semite,’ claimed that Jews have been ‘mobilized’ by Israel to ‘do its bidding in America.’ Ellison charged that, because Jews have been ‘mobilized’ by Israel, the U.S. ally is using America as its personal ATM. Ellison promoted the anti-Semitic conspiracy theory at one of multiple fundraisers he headlined on behalf of Esam Omeish, a Libyan-born activist who endorsed Palestinian ‘jihad’ against Israel.” (Peter Hasson, “New Audio: Ellison Claimed Jews ‘Mobilized’ By Israel To ‘Do Its Bidding In America,’” The Daily Caller, 12/4/16)

Tape Captures Ellison Expressing Views the Anti-Defamation Leagues Calls ‘Disqualifying’ “A tape caught  Keith Ellison discussing Israel, and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East: ‘The United States foreign policy in the Middle East is governed by what is good or bad through a country of seven million people,’ Ellison says referring to Israel. ‘A region of 350 million all turns on a country of seven million. Does that make sense? Is that logic? Right? When the Americans who trace their roots back to those 350 million get involved, everything changes. Can I say that again?’ The Anti-Defamation League later issued a statement in response saying that Ellison’s position is ‘disqualifying’ and promoting anti-semitic stereotypes.”