In an interview with WFSB, GOP state Rep. Sam Belsito said that some white supremacists and neo-Nazis who rioted in Charlottesville are good people. Connecticut Democrats are condemning Belisito’s comments in the strongest possible terms and calling on House GOP Leader Themis Klarides to publicly denounce Belsito.
WFSB: For the president to say there were ‘fine people’ on both sides, do you see white supremacists and neo-Nazis as fine people?

BELSITO: Uh, I think there are fine or nice people everywhere.

WFSB: Even white supremacists?

BELSITO: Uh, I think when you come right down to it, everybody is.

“This is beyond extreme,” said Connecticut Democratic Party Executive Director Michael Mandell. “It’s 2017. This should not be hard. White supremacists and neo-Nazis are not good people. Full stop.

“But I want to clear something up – this is today’s Connecticut Republican Party. Long gone are the days of compassionate moderate Connecticut Republicans. They have not, and will not stand up and disagree if it means crossing their party’s extreme elements.

“Sam Belsito’s comments are wrong and despicable, and Themis Klarides needs to live up to her leadership role and join us in strongly condemning this vile statement by an elected member of her caucus. One thing is abundantly clear: Anyone who makes apologies for neo-Nazis has no business in elected office.”