Peck
Democrats continued their call for the resignation of Rep. Virgil Peck, R-Tyro, today, amid international coverage of his comment earlier this week suggesting that illegal immigrants might be hunted like feral hogs.
CNN broadcast Peck’s apology Thursday.
“I’m Virgil Peck, and on Monday, I made an inappropriate comment,” Peck told CNN. “For that, I’m sorry, and I apologize to anyone that I offended with my inappropriate comment. I’ll be more careful with my words in the future.”
Peck also apologized in a statement he handed out in the House on Tuesday. He declined further comment today.
Democrats said they think Peck should resign, but also called for the Republican leadership of the House to strip Peck of his leadership duties. He is the chairman of the Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committee.
At a news conference Friday, Rep. Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, the House minority leader, called Peck’s comments “a disgrace to the Legislature” that could influence the world’s opinion of Kansas.
Rep. Louis Ruiz, D-Kansas City, said Peck’s comment “cut like a dagger” to Hispanic citizens of Kansas.
“This type of vitriolic rhetoric has no place in the House,” “He must be made aware that we as elected officials are held to a higher standard and that what we say resonates not only in this state, but in this case worldwide.”
Ruiz expressed disappointment that three Hispanic members of the House stood with Peck during the CNN interview as a show of support. Those House members — all Republicans — were Rep. Mario Goico, R-Wichita, Rep. Reynaldo Mesa, R-Garden City, and Rep. Ramon Gonzalez, R-Perry.
Goico expressed his displeasure for Peck’s comment, but said he hoped some good would come from the dialogue.
“It’s regrettable that it was said,” Goico said. “It was a mistake in a weak moment. He has apologized.
“When we are in committee or on the floor, we have to behave with decorum and dignity. I don’t think a joke is ever appropriate.”
“When I interact with Virgil Peck, I will always treat him with dignity and respect, and I expect that anyone else would do the same,” Goico said.
CNN correspondent Gustavo Valdes said Peck’s comment “obviously created a reaction in Washington right away. That shows there’s an interest in this story beyond Kansas.”
Senate Minority Leader Sen. Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka said he thinks Speaker of the House Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson, should take a strong action against Peck.
“He banned a lobbyist recently for an outburst in the House gallery, calling it the most disrespectful display he’s every seen in the House,” but he hasn’t done anything about the comments made by Peck,” Hensley said.
The Kansas Democratic Party said in a statement that it’s collected more than 900 signatures calling for Peck to resign or face disciplinary action.
According to the party, those joining in the drive include:
– Democratic Party state Chairwoman Joan Wagnon. – National Council of La Raza. – Somos Republicans. – Rep. Paul Davis and the entire House Democratic Leadership. – LULAC – League of United Latin American Citizens. – Latino Information Network of Kansas.
By Todd Fertig