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RNC Warns Tenn. GOP Over 'Hussein' Use

State party used Obama's full name in press release on Israel

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 28, 2008 9:14 AM CST

(Newser) – The Republican National Committee wagged a finger at the Tennessee party yesterday after it pointedly used the full name “Barack Hussein Obama” in a press release questioning whether an Obama presidency would endanger Israel, Politico reports. The RNC added that if Obama’s Muslim-sounding middle name appears again, the committee will “publicly repudiate” the Tennessee GOP.

The Tennessee party chair insisted that the party has “a duty to inform the Republican base,” and that it is not working for John McCain, who himself apologized for the comment, saying sorry to Obama for the second time in two days. “There will be times in this campaign where people do and say stupid things,” said a McCain spokeswoman.

Local radio talk show host Bill Cunningham speaks to Sen. John McCain supporters before the Republican presidential hopeful's arrival at a campaign event at Memorial Hall Tuesday, Feb 26, 2008, in Cincinnati.... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., makes remarks during an outdoor rally Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, in San Marcos, Texas. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks about strengthening America's economy during a town hall meeting Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks about strengthening America's economy at a town hall meeting Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck) (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., conducts a press conference after speaking at a town hall meeting in Tyler, Texas, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008. A McCain spokeswoman noted that... (Associated Press)

A crop of Tennessee state flags are seen in this undated file photo. The Republican National Committee has confronted the Tennessee Republican Party over their use of the full name "Barack Hussein Obama"... (Shutterstock.com)

"The RNC has notified the Tennessee GOP that they do not support or agree with their approach," said one anonymous source regarding the strategic employment of Sen. Obama's middle name. "If they don't... (rnc.org)

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RNC Warns Tenn. GOP Over 'Hussein' Use

State party used Obama's full name in press release on Israel

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