Aug 28, 2008 12:53 pm US/Eastern
Republicans In Wash. Town Slam 'Racist' Obama Bill
Snohomish County, Wash. (CBS) ―
A controversial three dollar bill may have brought Republicans and Democrats together to agree on something.
The bill, which was sold at the Evergreen State Fair's Republican Party booth in Snohomis County, Washingotn, features Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama wearing a headdress, propelling a widespread myth that he is Muslim.
Some call it a joke, but not everyone is laughing.
Obama is, in fact, a Christian.
Carol Ronken snapped a picture of the bill, and then called the local newspaper. "It's racist. It's disgusting," said Ronken.
Republican county chair Geri Modrell said she never approved the bill, but insisted the bills were nothing more than a very bad joke. She has asked volunteers to put them away.
The bills are no longer being sold at the fair, but they are available from several sources on the Internet. One Web site is even selling a pack of 25 for five dollars.
Cheri DeShaw, whose booth sat right across from the Republican Party's at the fair, said she has heard an earful from visitors.
Modrell said she is working to track down the person responsible, but does not plan to conduct an intensive investigation. She said it is tough enough to recruit volunteers and does not want to alienate another.
"It's not the policy of this party to use that low level sense of humor," Modrell said.
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