Democratic Socialist Candidate Calls ‘White Working-Class’ Residents ‘Racist’ — And Feels the Heat

A Democratic Socialist running for a seat on Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives called residents in her district “white working class poor folk who are racist” and is now feeling the heat over her comments, KDKA-TV reported.

Sara Innamorato defeated incumbent Rep. Dom Costa in the Democratic primary and has all but assured a victory, the station said — but comments she made on a podcast about her would-be constituents are causing an uproar.

“I just look at my district, right? And it’s 93 percent white,” Innamorato said during the program, KDKA noted. “My district, which I know is like white working-class poor folk who are racist, because it’s so much easier for them to look to their side and say, ‘I’m going to blame that person.’”

{snip}

Believe it or not, a Republican resident has organized a bipartisan a write-in campaign for Costa in response to Innamorato’s comments.

“We are not racist, and I don’t think we should send someone to Harrisburg that has that mindset that her constituents are racist,” Gary Britcher of Aspinwall told the station.

Costa didn’t take too kindly to Innamorato’s comments, either.

{snip}

And he added to the station that he appreciates any write-in effort: “I find it humbling, very humbling that people want to,” Costa added to the station.

{snip}

KDKA said Innamorato declined an on-camera interview but did issue a lengthy statement about her comment on the Drinking Partners Podcast:

“{snip} I [did not] seek to imply that all of my neighbors are racist. {snip} I will do anything in my power to make sure that the 21st District and beyond is a welcoming place for all.”

Innamorato is running unopposed for the 21st district seat. Her term would be for two years.