Lawmakers from Washington state took a stand last week against racism, misogyny, anti-semitism, and every other form of vitriolic hate espoused by Steve Bannon and the so-called alt-right.

Congressman Dave Reichert did not stand with them.

Instead:

“Washington state Republican Rep. Dave Reichert defended Trump’s selection of Bannon, the executive editor of the Breitbart website and CEO of Trump’s presidential campaign.

“I don’t know Mr. Bannon and I don’t know Mr. Trump. … But if I were Mr. Trump, I would surround myself with people that I trust and who have knowledge and information and wisdom that will help me do the best job that I can,” Reichert said.

Does Rep. Reichert mean to imply that the deceitful hate speech before which Steve Bannon has gladly held up a megaphone constitutes “knowledge and information and wisdom?”

All due respect, Congressman, but no.

This is not leadership. Hiding behind a claim that he does not “know” Bannon is not going to cut it with the folks here in District 8. People tell you who they are. You simply have to listen. And Bannon has told us loud and clear.

I suggest Rep. Reichert sharpen his listening skills quickly, because this is not in line with our values, and he works for us, not for the president-elect. These are not Republican values. These are not Democratic values. Regardless of which political party we align with here in District 8, we are not a people of ignorance or hatred, and we will not stand for being represented in this way.

Congressman Reichert owes us an explanation. And he owes us true leadership. This is not the time for evasion and weak pronouncements. He must represent us, officially denounce this hatred, and do everything in his power to keep it out of the White House.

– Jessie Martin