African-American Republican Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr., US Senate Candidate in Florida, Calls GOP on Race-Driven Actions

Bal Harbour, FL, June 18, 2009 --(PR.com)-- In response to two recent events involving race-driven comments and actions and members of the GOP in South Carolina and Tennessee , U.S. Senate candidate (Florida) Dr. Marion Thorpe has released the following statement:

Thorpe states, "Categorically, I am calling on the Republican Leadership of the State of South Carolina and Tennessee to make amends for these matters immediately. As an African-American Republican who's father defended this nation in the Air Force during the Korean War, I love the United States of America and will not sit idly while others spew divisive words and hurtful actions."

The two occurrences are as follows:
- A South Carolina Republican activist has admitted to calling a gorilla that escaped from the Riverbanks Zoo on June 12, 2009 an "ancestor" of First Lady Michelle Obama.
- Within a day of the South Carolina matter, a Tennessee GOP staffer for Sen. Diane Black sent an email entitled, "Historical Keepsake Photo,” to an extensive list of recipients and co-workers which depicted all of our 44 presidents, except that President Obama’s portrait only contained two white eyes against a black background.

Dr. Marion Thorpe further states, "President Abraham Lincoln must surely be rolling over in his grave as some members of the 21st century GOP make a mockery of the abolitionist roots of our Party. Most assuredly, this is absolutely detrimental behavior emanating from a party that proclaims to have a big tent for everyone."

Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. M.D., M.P.H., former Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Chief Medical Officer (CMO), officially entered the race for U.S. Senate in Florida in early January of 2009. This Senate seat is being vacated by Mel Martinez who has decided not to seek re-election in 2010.

###