Dems: GOP lawmaker who sent e-mails doesn't understand problem

http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20060328/NEWS/103280063

Dems: GOP lawmaker who sent e-mails doesn't understand problem


DENVER - A GOP lawmaker who distributed e-mails questioning the character of some blacks and Muslims should not expect to silence his critics by saying he did not agree with the messages, two Democratic legislators said Tuesday.

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After the apology, another e-mail forwarded by Welker surfaced; it questioned whether devout Muslims could be patriotic Americans. Welker has said he did not remember sending it.

Welker told the Associated Press his mistake was not disclosing he did not write the e-mails.

"It's part of free speech in America. When I read things in the newspaper, there are things I agree with and things I disagree with. It's an opportunity to pass on information. It's up to the reader to agree or disagree," he said.

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"He just doesn't get it," said Paccione, a Fort Collins Democrat. "It wasn't a mistake for him not to disclose, it's a mistake for a legislator to send it in the first place. It's not illegal, it's inappropriate."