Democratic Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur is facing criticism from Republicans in her state over comments she made in a resurfaced interview comparing Osama bin Laden and the United States’ war against terrorism with the Founding Fathers of the American Revolution. In a March 2003 article, Kaptur discussed the potential military strike against Iraq and referenced the American Revolution, stating that bin Laden and non-nation-state fighters with religious purposes are similar to atypical revolutionaries. She emphasized that the United States should be cautious not to get involved in religious extremism in the Middle East.
Kaptur’s comments drew criticism from Republicans, including then National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Thomas M. Reynolds, who called it “outrageous.” Criticism has been renewed by Kaptur’s opponents in Ohio, including her Republican challenger, Republican Ohio state Rep. Derek Merrin. Merrin accused Kaptur of losing touch with working-class people and American values, emphasizing that the Founding Fathers should not be compared to terrorists who harm Americans. The NRCC spokesperson also chimed in, calling for Kaptur to apologize for her comments.
In response to the criticism, Kaptur clarified her remarks from 2003, stating that they were intended to highlight the rise of revolution in repressive regimes of the Arab and Islamic world. She explained that her comments were made in the context of discussing the power of revolution, and she never intended to equate the Founding Fathers with terrorists. Despite her explanation, Kaptur is facing backlash for her statements, with her opponents seizing the opportunity to criticize her as she defends her seat in Congress in a district that Trump won by three points in 2020.
The general election race in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District is expected to be closely contested, with the Cook Political Report labeling it as a “toss-up” that Republicans are targeting to potentially expand their majority in the House. Kaptur, who has held the seat since 1983, is under scrutiny for her comments and her legislative track record. Critics have pointed to the fact that she has only passed five bills that became law in her 41 years in Congress, with some questioning her effectiveness and commitment to delivering results for her constituents.
Republicans in Ohio are seizing on Kaptur’s controversial comments and legislative record to paint her as out of touch with the values and priorities of the people in her district. Her opponent, Derek Merrin, is pushing for term limits and criticizing Kaptur for aligning with radical Democrats and failing to address the needs of working-class Americans. The renewed focus on Kaptur’s past statements and performance in Congress has made the race in Ohio’s 9th District highly competitive, with both parties vying for the opportunity to represent the district in the House of Representatives.
