Former Adviser Accuses Moran Of Making Anti-Semitic Remark

[Freddie Stubbs]

By Lisa Rein and Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, June 4, 2004; Page B01


A longtime adviser to Rep. James P. Moran Jr. has lodged about the most damaging allegation that could be made about the congressman from Northern Virginia at this point in his reelection campaign: that he heard him make an anti-Semitic remark.

Last night, the seven-term congressman said he is "stupefied" at the allegation by his former campaign strategist and pollster, Alan M. Secrest, and called it a "flat-out lie."

The dispute marks another unpredictable turn in the career of the Washington region's most talked-about congressman. In Tuesday's 8th District Democratic primary, Moran, 59, faces a challenge from Andrew M. Rosenberg, an Alexandria lawyer who has made an issue of the incumbent's personal conduct and ethics, in particular a remark he made last year that angered American Jewish leaders and Democratic leaders.

Secrest, a prominent Alexandria-based pollster who has run 300 successful campaigns for Democratic members of Congress, said Moran made an anti-Semitic reference to the staff of a national Democratic campaign committee during a private meeting with advisers several weeks ago.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A14002-2004Jun3.html

[sui generis]

1. oh good grief

what did he say? I'm sorry but when they make anti-gay or misogynistic remarks it's "insensitive", but when someone says something thoughtless about "that", then they are jew burning nazis. As a half-jew I can say this with impunity: get over it. There are more worthy battles to fight. Now if he belongs to a neo Nazi movement or The Skulls, or has a history of being a dumbass, then fry his ass.

[notadmblnd]

2. I thought this was an article about bush...

didn't exect "Moran" to be the real name of a person.

[ed_vadem]

3. I have known Jim Moran for nearly 20 years

and there is a testy primary in our district as most Virginians already know. I just came from a big endorsement breakfeast with Howard Dean and Jim Moran and this WP article was mentioned.

The Moran web site may have a comment on this event and or the story in a few hours.

I am not going to go into the background on this story right now as it is just not worth discussing until more details are apparent. Jim Moran and his pollster (Alan Secrest}had a professional disagreement. When I get more details I will be glad to answer constructive questions.

The WP dislikes Jim Moran and will probably never endorse him.

[spooky3]

4. The story should not have been printed

without certain key facts, such as exactly what Moran was alleged to have said, particularly given that there were exactly two other witnesses and both said Moran made no anti-Semitic remarks. I am sure the story would not have been run, had the accused been a friend of the WP. Fortunately, today, there were two stories that provided some background information (though the accuser still refuses to say exactly the words he alleges that Moran uttered). These articles provided information on the history of the accuser's hot-headedness (whereas the first described him as well-respected) and possible motivations for making unfair accusations.

I am not saying that an objectionable remark was not uttered; I wasn't there, so I obviously do not know. But given the lack of facts to support the allegation (and some contrary to it) and the damage done to Moran's reputation just days before the election, the story should have been delayed until there was more credible evidence.

[diamond14]

5. rosenberg is running against Moran, screaming everywhere that

Moran is anti-semitic...that's rosenberg's ONLY platform and IT IS NOT TRUE....

it's a KKKarl rove attack totally...reTHUGlicans are real mad at Moran and his anti-WAR, pro-PEACE positions....so they put up this rosenberg to try and take him down by total character assassination...

notice this attack in the WP contains quotes from rosenberg...who is really the instigator behind this article...

hopefully, the Jewish community in District 8, who support Moran for many years...will realize that rosenberg does a GREAT disrespect to all Jews, by lying and screaming anti-semitism, when there has never been evidence of that at all, in Jim Morans long and wonderful service to the citizens of Virginia...

[ed_vadem]

6. Secrest the pollster was the willing attack dog here

but as you say, Andy was ready with a response, to be sure.

I will post a post mortem after the Tuesday primary.

If you vote for Jim and of course live in the District :) I thank you well in advance. the result of this primary will be fodder for the rethug who has been nominated to take on Jim in the general.

[spooky3]

7. a letter to the Editor in today's Post said the same things I did

and he said he was Jewish.

I also thought Rosenberg was way out of line to comment on the story as he did. He instead should have encouraged Secrest to offer the facts or to say he was withholding comment until they were revealed. How he handled this incident certainly helps me to understand why the convention delegates and alternates, whom I would expect to be supportive of people fighting genuine bigotry, reacted coolly to him.