Carbondale, Ill. – The “We the People” campaign of Ray Lenzi, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 12th District, today called on his opponent to renounce votes made in the U.S. House supporting the Confederate flag.
“Mike Bost needs to explain to voters why he voted to support the Confederate flag, and then renounce those votes,” said Lenzi. “All voters in the 12th District need to know that their congressman actually represents their interests in Washington.”
In June 2015, Bost voted to delay a resolution that would require removal of all Confederate symbols from the U.S. House (HR 34 – Vote #385). One month later, Bost voted to block consideration of removing any state flag containing the Confederate battle flag from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol (HRES 355 – Vote #425). Then, in May 2016, Bost voted against prohibiting display of Confederate flag imagery in Veterans Administration cemeteries (HR 4974 – Vote #223).
“’Confederate’ Mike needs to change his tune,” said Lenzi. “Bost dishonors the memory of Southern Illinois hero John A. Logan who must be turning over in his grave over Bost’s defense of the racist Confederacy.”
Lenzi went on the say that Bost should reflect on those votes and join the rest of the country in condemning the Confederate battle flag and everything it stands for. “Failure do so is an indication that he does not understand the issues facing the nation today,” Lenzi said.
“NASCAR has banned the Confederate flag from its events and South Carolina has removed the flag from statehouse grounds. The U.S. military, including the Marine Corps, has also ordered removal of the flag from all of its installations,” said Lenzi. “We further urge Mr. Bost to support renaming those military bases bearing the names of Confederate commanders.”
Lenzi noted that “the times, they are a changing. It’s time for Mr. Bost to condemn his votes regarding the Confederate flag and join the rest of the nation in correcting the mistakes of the past.”