Republican congressman Robin Hayes of North Carolina told a crowd of McCain supporters at a rally in Concord NC on Saturday that "liberals hate real Americans that work and achieve and believe in God." While Hayes initially denied saying this, he was forced to admit the truth when confronted with audio of these very words in his own voice. Hayes said this at a McCain rally shortly before McCain himself appeared to speak, though the campaign has thus far chosen not to respond. Oddly, Hayes said only moments before this remark that "one of the things we need to do is to be certain we don't say something stupid."

Hayes' remark echoes similar statements recently by Sarah Palin and Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann, both of whom have likewise suggested that liberals are not "real Americans" and are in fact "anti-America." Hayes' remark also presents Democrats and progressives with a very similar opportunity to that presented by Michele Bachmann's remarks last week on rooting out "anti-American" members of Congress. As CNN explains, the North Carolina district Hayes represents is not a solid Republican district but one that could swing Democratic. Hayes is currently up for re-election and is fighting a tough campaign against Democratic opponent Larry Kissell, who nearly beat Hayes in 2006 and who is now polling strongly against Hayes despite a significant fundraising disadvantage.

Outrage at Michele Bachmann's remarks last week resulted in a massive infusion of support for her Democratic opponent, Elwyn Tinklenberg, including some $700,000 in contributions in only three days. There is now more hope than ever that Bachmann's seat in Congress may soon be held by a Democrat. Let's do the same for Larry Kissell in his race against confirmed bigot Robin Hayes. Supporters may go to LarryKissell.com or to ActBlue.