John Lewis Shames GOP Leaders For Skipping Selma Anniversary [View all]

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John Lewis Shames GOP Leaders For Skipping Selma Anniversary

By Brendan James
PublishedMarch 6, 2015, 1:37 PM EST


Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) this week joined the Congressional Black Caucus in complaining that none of the Republican leadership in Congress would be attending a commemoration of the 1965 march for civil rights in Selma, Alabama.

“I wish we had someone in the {Republican} leadership going,” Lewis told Politico in an article published Thursday. “President Bush is going to be there, but I think it would have been fitting and appropriate for them to make a trip.”

Lewis took part in the historic march alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In his criticism, he was joined by Rep. Marsha Fudge (D-OH) and the caucus chairman, Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), who was less gentle in his condemnation.

“It is very disappointing that not a single Republican leader sees the value in participating in this 50th commemoration of the signing of the Voting Rights Act. I had hoped that some of the leadership would attend, but apparently none of them will,” Butterfield told Politico.

“The Republicans always talk about trying to change their brand and be more appealing to minority folks and be in touch with the interests of African-Americans," he added. "This is very disappointing.”

The article noted that Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL) co-sponsored the event and encouraged at least 23 other GOPers to join them.