This past weekend Republicans in Virginia's 99th House District nominated Catherine Crabill to take on popular incumbent Democrat Albert Pollard.
Here's what Crabill a told The Washington Times in 1995, and keep in mind this was uncovered several weeks ago:
"If any militia group is truly responsible for the murderous bombing in Oklahoma City, then I say, ‘Hangin’s too good for ‘em,’ " said Catherine Crabill of Aragon, N.M., who belongs to a group called New Mexico Citizens Action Association.
But Mrs. Crabill said it’s her belief "this heinous act of violence was the work of our government," which will "use it as an excuse to aggressively attack the growing militia movement across the country."
Now, predictably, Crabill says she's been misquoted. But, when asked to clairfy, she proudly repeats the charge. She's done so on my blog, and in an email to local Republican activists:
"I never said that. That’s idiotic. It is not the way I think or speak. (Though I absolutely agree that those who commited such an act of wickedness should be punished to the fullest extent of the law !) I learned in that day that the press is always willing to make an ass out of anyone they don’t understand or disagree with. I did and do believe that our government was culpable in the OKC bombing. This was not based on a "conspiracy theory" but on the analysis of General Benjamin Partin (retired) who resides in Alexandria, Virginia who is an expert in weapons development. General Partin spent his own time and his own money personally visiting the site in OKC and publishing his analysis. From there he hand delivered a copy PERSONALLY to every single member of Congress. Congressman Trafficant was the only one willing to stand with him and call for a press conference to address it. The very next day Trafficant canceled and never spoke to the General again. This man is a patriot and a hero and I do not and will not recant my confidence in his report.
I am not ashamed of standing with my friends and neighbors in New Mexico from the domestic terrorists known as our own government. I am thankful that the immediacy of that particular threat passed without greater conflict."
I'm sure it will come as a surprise to no one that Gen. Partin is out of his gourd.
After Crabill secured the nomination at the convention on Saturday, one of her supporters told the Free Lance-Star (emphasis mine):
"I’m sick of moderate things. God bless her for saying immoderate things," said Robert Barlow of King George County. "She believes in the same things we do. She speaks to what we believe. She’ll stand up for it when she’s elected."
In addition to the House of Delegates, Virginia will elect a new Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General in November. GOP nominee for Governor Bob "Pat Robertson is my political mentor" McDonnell, GOP nominee for LG Bill Bolling, and the eventual GOP nominee for AG all need to be asked: Do you support Catherine Crabill in the 99th?