Wash. Mayor Under Fire for 'Glenn Beck Day'

Critics slam decision to offer controversial pundit key to the city
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 3, 2009 5:23 PM CDT
Wash. Mayor Under Fire for 'Glenn Beck Day'
HUNTINGTON, WV - MAY 24: Radio talk show host Glenn Beck gestures to the crowd at the Rally for America event at Marshall University Stadium May 24, 2003 in Huntington, West Virginia.   (Getty Images)

The mayor of Mount Vernon, Wash., has taken a stand on the controversy over Glenn Beck calling President Obama a “racist.” He plans to give the Fox News lightning rod a key to the city and proclaim Sept. 26 “Glenn Beck Day,” the Seattle Times reports. Mayor Bud Norris says the event is about honoring a “native son,” not about agreeing with him.

“This isn't about his political views. It's about recognizing someone who has a history with our city,” says Norris. “I think he's a person who's gained a level in his profession of national recognition and notoriety.” As to whether he agrees with the “racist” claim? “That's not something that I would have said, but he's entitled to his opinion,” Norris replies.
(More Glenn Beck stories.)

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