Haines, Addiego & Rudder

May 18, 2009

Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
District 8

Legislators have asked the Attorney General to investigate

Senator Phil Haines, Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder today asked Attorney General Anne Milgram to investigate the distribution of a publication called “The Klansmen’s Voice” that has been dropped at homes in the 8th Legislative District.

“We are very protective of the free speech we are guaranteed by the Constitution, but we become concerned when free speech turns to hate speech,” said Assemblyman Rudder. “The newsletter is hate-filled and divisive.”

“The rhetoric in the newsletter is clearly intended to fuel racially motivated fear, hate and anger. We can not tolerate the dissemination of this venomous message,” said Assemblywoman Addiego.

“The racial bias and rhetoric in this material is disturbing,” said Senator Haines. “We are asking the Attorney General to investigate the racist organization behind the newsletter, and the incendiary commentary they are spreading.”

The legislators’ letter to New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram follows:

The Hon. Anne Milgram
Attorney General
Office of the Attorney General
PO Box 080
Trenton, NJ 08625-0080

May 18, 2009

Dear Attorney General Milgram:

We recognize the importance of free speech guaranteed by the Constitution, but we are concerned when free speech turns to hate speech.

Attached, please find a copy of “The Klansmen’s Voice,” a newsletter which raises our apprehension with racially charged rhetoric that is both divisive and dangerous.

We are asking that you launch an investigation into this hate group and the vitriol they are dispensing within our community.

The offensive newsletter, wrapped in protective plastic and rubber bands, was delivered door to door in Tabernacle, Burlington County, and was brought to our attention by a local resident. We have also received unconfirmed reports of the newsletters being distributed in Shamong Township, as well.

The resident is willing to speak with investigators, but does not want his name publicized. If you wish to pursue this investigation, please contact our office for his information.

The disturbing message in the newsletter is clearly intended to fuel an atmosphere of fear, hate, and anger, and we are concerned about its impact on our neighborhoods.

If you would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to call us at our 8th District office in Medford, at (609) 654-1498.

Sincerely,

PHILIP E. HAINES
Senator

DAWN MARIE ADDIEGO
Assemblywoman

SCOTT RUDDER
Assemblyman

Legislators have asked the Attorney General to investigate Senator Phil Haines, Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder today asked Attorney General Anne Milgram to investigate the distribution of a publication called “The Klansmen’s Voice” that has been dropped at homes in the 8th Legislative [...]