Eric Cantor Accuses Democrats Of “Fanning The Flames” Of Threats

In his news conference today, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor made a partisan issue of threats he’s received, accusing Democrats of “dangerously fanning the flames” by blaming Republicans.

“Let me be clear — I do not condone violence,” Cantor said at the start of his press event. “There are no leaders in this building, no rank and file members in this building, that condone violence, period.”

Then he contrasted his own actions with those of Democrats who have been harassed:

“I’ve received threats since I assumed elected office, not only because of my position but also because I’m Jewish. I’ve never blamed anyone in this body for that, period. Any suggestion that a leader in this body would incite threats or acts against other members is akin to saying that I would endanger myself, my wife or my children. Just recently I have been directly threatened. A bullet was shot through the window of my campaign office in Richmond this week, and I’ve received threatening e-mails. But I will not release them, because I believe such actions will only encourage more to be sent,” he said.

Cantor may have been referring to Congressman Bart Stupak’s release of vile phone calls to his office after his vote for health care reform. And he specifically mentioned DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen and DNC Chairman Tim Kaine:

“I want to stress this, and it’s very important: Legitimate threats should be treated as security issues,” Cantor said. “And they should be dealt with by the appropriate law enforcement officials. It is reckless to use these incidents as media vehicles for political gain. That is why I have deep concerns that some — DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen and DNC Chairman Tim Kaine in particular — are dangerously fanning the flames by suggesting that these incidents be used as a political weapon. Security threats against members of Congress is not a partisan issue, and they should not be treated that way. To use such threats as political weapons is reprehensible.”

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.