Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

Login | Contact Us | Site Map | Paid archives | Electronic edition | Subscription Questions | Extras

Welker blasted again for e-mail

April M. Washington, Rocky Mountain News

Published July 20, 2006 at midnight

Text size  

More Colorado Government

More stories »

State Rep. Jim Welker is once again drawing criticism for forwarding an e-mail in which black conservatives and religious leaders blame "black culture" for problems surrounding Hurricane Katrina.

The Loveland Republican forwarded an article to constituents titled "Black Culture is responsible for Hurricane Katrina woes."

The article from CNSNews .com is about an upcoming conference in Washington, D.C., sponsored by ministers and political conservatives.

It quotes them as saying black New Orleans residents rely too much on government, and, in the words of the Rev. Grant Storm, who is white, "When the government doesn't come and help them, frankly all they do is yap and complain."

Welker didn't write the article, but legislative leaders warned him in March to stop forwarding e-mails they said foster racism. Three months ago, Welker apologized on the House floor for forwarding a racially charged essay from a conservative black commentator who called Hurricane Katrina victims "welfare pampered" and "immoral."

On Wednesday, Welker made no apology for passing on the e-mail, saying it simply reflects conservative values, which encourage hurricane victims to pull themselves up by their own boot straps. He dismissed allegations he is a racist.

"I have black people who work for me," said Welker. "Some of my good friends are different colors."

Lawmakers expressed outrage and dismay at the recent e-mail, some accusing Welker of hiding racist attitudes behind black conservatives' controversial writings.

"These kinds of comments are heartless and hurtful," said House Speaker Andrew Romanoff.

Sen. Peter Groff, D-Denver, echoed those sentiments. "Only Jim Welker and God knows if he's a racist or not. But just because somebody says they're not racist, doesn't mean you're not a racist," he said.

House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, said the GOP caucus neither shares nor condones Welker's views.

"It's not what my party is about," said May.