GOP senators call out Kreidler
By Terry Murry on Friday, September 3rd, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA — Two Republican state senators are calling on Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler to apologize in the wake of what they call hate speech. Kreidler, a Democrat, compared Texas Republicans to the Afghan terror organization, the Taliban, in response to Texas law restricting abortions.
Sen. Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) said Kreidler needs to apologize or step down immediately.
“Whatever Mike Kreidler’s stance is on abortion, his characterization of Texas Republicans, and Republicans in general by extension, as equal to the Taliban is not only wildly inaccurate, it’s insulting, sick, and extremely offensive,” Ericksen said. “Likening Republicans to a terror group that is guilty of war crimes, systematic executions, mass murder, gang rapes and house-to-house searches constitutes hate speech. It’s appallingly unacceptable and Mr. Kreidler should issue an apology or resign his position immediately.”
Sen. Mike Padden (R-Spokane Valley) said Kreidler was apparently trying to score partisan points, but missed that mark.
“The commissioner’s inflammatory rhetoric is unbecoming of a public servant and the opposite of the thoughtful civil discourse the people of Washington deserve. It’s out of line, and he should apologize,” Padden said.
