U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, has declined a forum in the largest city in the  Fifth District In Iowa because he believes a recent Sioux City Journal story “crossed the line.” The fourm was to be co-sponsored by the Journal and the Leagure of Women Voters and would have included his Democratic opponent, Rob Hubler of Council Bluffs.

Citing what he considers unfavorable recent news coverage by the Sioux City Journal, Iowa Fifth District Congressman Steve King has declined to participate in a Fifth District Congressional Forum sponsored by the Journal and the League of Women Voters of Sioux City.

In a letter to Journal Editor Mitch Pugh, dated today, the Republican congressman wrote that his interest in participating in events sponsored by the Journal “diminishes in proportion to the increasing number of attacks on my character which can be found in the Journal and on staff blogs.”

King said a June 29 Journal article headlined “How Effective is Steve King?” crossed the line by quoting a Monona County Democrat who said King’s remarks are “consistently racist.” King added that if there are to be Congressional debates, they will take place in a neutral environment.