IDP chair slams King for vote against plaque recognizing slaves

Iowa Rep. Steve King’s vote against a bill honoring the African American slaves who built the U.S. Capitol is an embarrassment to his constituents, Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan said in a statement Thursday.

King was the lone dissenting vote Tuesday when the U.S. House passed the measure, which also calls for the placement of a marker paying tribute slaves. The Kiron Republican said his decision was based on the bill being used as a bargaining chip to allow the depiction of “In God We Trust” in the Capitol Visitor’s Center. Kiernan said it was actually an example of King being out of touch with Iowa values.

Here is the statement Kiernan released Thursday morning:

“Iowans have a rich history of embracing diversity and of leading the nation in support of civil rights for African Americans. Years before the Civil War, Iowa Courts determined there would be no place for slavery in our state. Nearly a century before ‘Separate But Equal’ was deemed unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court, we in Iowa desegregated our schools, opening opportunities for children and families without regard to race. And in the years since, our elected officials and courts have protected these rights, which we hold so dear. This is a tradition we can be proud of.

But Congressman Steve King has flown in the face of our history of inclusion, and of progress. This vote is an embarrassment to his constituents, and to Iowa. Congressman King has once again showed that he is out of touch with Iowa values, and he must be held accountable for this vote. Iowans deserve better.”