More backlash Friday against Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (DFL) following her comments last week about so-called 'pro-genocide' Jewish students. This time, it's a fellow Democratic Congressman from Minnesota.
"I think it's really unfortunate that people don't care about the fact that all Jewish kids should be kept safe and that we should not have to tolerate anti-Semitism or bigotry for all Jewish students, whether they are pro-genocide or anti-genocide," Omar said last week.
Omar made the comments while visiting Columbia University last week where students and university leadership clashed on campus grounds. They were protesting in support of Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza. Omar has been a vocal supporter of Palestinians since the war with Hamas began.
Omar's daughter was part of those protests and was eventually suspended from school. She attends Barnard College also in New York.
Friday, Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips (DFL) joined WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and responded to those comments in strong fashion.
"Such an irresponsible, despicable, reprehensible, disgusting comment, and I'm just going to leave it at that," said Phillips. "And again, voters will have a chance to make their opinion known in Minneapolis and the 5th District come November. But, you know how I feel. I'm just sick and tired of such sickening language from someone who should know better."
Phillips, who unsuccessfully challenged President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination before pulling out of the race after Super Tuesday, has decided not to seek reelection in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District.
Omar has several challengers in the 5th for the DFL nomination including former Minneapolis City Council Member Don Samuels, who Omar narrowly defeated two years ago in the primary.
The seat is almost a guaranteed win for the Democrats with the 5th being one of the strongest liberal voting bases in the Upper Midwest. No Republican has won the seat in over six decades and it's been five decades since a Republican has touched 40% of the vote.
Republicans in the House have also been going after Omar's comments with Minnesota 6th District Rep. and House Whip Tom Emmer saying she is "pro-terrorist."
"Omar has joined the likes of Hamas and Iran with her endorsement of the pro-terrorist, antisemitic protests happening at colleges across the country," Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer posted to X. "Not exactly good company."