Chicago: Freshman US Rep Mary Miller of Illinois quoted Adolph Hitler in a speech Wednesday outside the US Capitol, comments that drew swift criticism from fellow Republicans.
Miller, elected in November to replace Republican John Shimkus, spoke during an event by conservative group “Moms for America,” one of several demonstrations by supporters of President Donald Trump.
Miller — speaking before violent Trump supporters stormed the Capitol — read from prepared remarks, urging the need to appeal to young people in politics.
“This is the battle,” she said according to video posted by WCIA-TV. “Hitler was right on one thing. He said, Whoever has the youth has the future.'”
The comment is often attributed to Hitler, who organised youth groups to introduce children to Nazi ideologies.
Illinois Republicans including US Rep. Adam Kinzinger and state GOP Chairman Tim Schneider condemned the comments.
“That language is wrong and disgusting. We urge Congresswoman Miller to apologize,” Schneider said in a statement.
Illinois Gov J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat who is Jewish, called the remarks “unfathomable.”
“Let me be clear: Hitler got nothing right,” he told reporters Wednesday. “This reprehensible rhetoric has no place in our politics.”
Miller, elected to public office for the first time, runs a farm with her husband, Republican state Rep. Chris Miller. Her congressional district covers a wide swath of southern and eastern Illinois along the border with Indiana.
Messages left Wednesday for spokeswomen for Miller and “Moms for America” weren’t returned.
AP