U.S. President Donald Trump (C) speaks as House Majority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) (L) listens during a meeting with the House Deputy Whip team at the East Room of the White House March 7, 2017 in Washington, DC. President Trump met with the House Deputy Whip team to discuss the new House Republican Healthcare Bill. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Some thought that the shootings at a GOP congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia would bring Democrats and Republicans together. They were wrong.
After the shooting that left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise in critical condition and wounded four others, some gravely, a New Jersey Democratic political strategist introduced the hashtags #HuntRepublicans and #HuntRepublicanCongressmen.
“We are in a war with selfish, foolish & narcissistic rich people,” James Devine tweeted. “Why is it a shock when things turn violent? #HuntRepublicanCongressmen.”
During an interview, he said, “If you want to invite a class war, then you have to expect people to fight back at some point.”
On Facebook, he said he had “little sympathy” for Scalise because the congressman does not support gun control.
— Minnesota officer acquitted in fatal shooting of Philando Castile —
We are in a war with selfish, foolish & narcissistic rich people. Why is it a shock when things turn violent? #HuntRepublicanCongressmen
— James Devine (@James_J_Devine) June 14, 2017
Jim Devine has been in politics for 35 years and has worked on campaigns for New Jersey Assemblyman James Kennedy and state Sen. Raymond Lesniak.
Even as his comments drew flak he did not back down, in fact, he doubled down.
“I am sorry if my #HuntRepublicanCongressmen hashtag hurt the feelings of any GOP snowflakes but you have not engaged in civil discourse.”
While he has admitted his comments were “insensitive” he will not apologize for what he has said.
“And I don’t care,” he said. “You want me to be politically correct? I don’t have time for that anymore.”
I am sorry if my #HuntRepublicanCongressmen hashtag hurt the feelings of any GOP snowflakes but you have not engaged in civil discourse pic.twitter.com/4dPc3GCiDz
— James Devine (@James_J_Devine) June 15, 2017
