Democrat apologizes for auto magnet flap

OLYMPIA – The state’s Democratic chairman has apologized for a political gimcrack that parodied a popular Christian automobile adornment.

The fish-shaped magnet was posted for sale alongside other political paraphernalia last week on the state Democratic Party’s Web site. It bore the image of a cross and the word “hypocrite” over a background of flames.

Paul Berendt, the state Democratic chairman, said he was surprised to find the item advertised on the Web site. He told the Seattle Times the magnet was removed from the site after less than 48 hours. He apologized for offending anyone, and called the item embarrassing.

The fish magnet is copyrighted by a Mount Vernon company. Berendt said he thinks it is aimed at “people who claim to be pro-life but are for the death penalty.”