Chenoweth Now A Target, Says Craig Controversial Quote Fanning Affirmative Action Firestorm

Fri., May 16, 1997

Associated Press

Idaho’s senior member of Congress weighed in Thursday in the debate over the propriety of remarks made last week by U.S. Rep. Helen Chenoweth, joining her and others in blasting affirmative action hiring programs.

Sen. Larry Craig said he believes there are political overtones in the firestorm of criticism his fellow Republican has suffered since suggesting that cold weather and the local economy may be reasons Hispanics, blacks and other minorities - what she called “the warm-climate community” - have not been attracted to North Idaho.

“I think Helen is now speaking out, and where apology is necessary, she’s offering that,” Craig told KIDO radio in Boise. “I don’t believe it was her intent to tread on anybody’s toes.”

Human rights advocates quickly labeled Chenoweth’s comments as racist and claimed they fostered the mistaken impression that Idaho is a haven for bigots - an impression officials have been trying to erase for years.

And after an aide said she planned no formal apology, Chenoweth issued a statement in which she said, “If anyone has taken offense at my statements, I sincerely regret that.”

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