Two GOP county chairs in South Carolina today apologized for a weekend op-ed in which they praised Sen. Jim DeMint by invoking the stereotype of a Jew "watching our nation's pennies." James Ulmer wrote that he "meant absolutely nothing derogatory" by the essay. "I quoted a statement which I have heard many times in my life, truly in admiration for a method of bettering one's lot in life," notes Salon.
"I sincerely apologize for this great error. If I had quoted that great man from Pennsylvania, Ben Franklin, using his, 'A penny saved is a penny earned,' I doubt I would be writing this note." His co-author released a separate apology. DeMint himself issued a statement to CNN calling the original remarks "thoughtless and hurtful." (More Jim DeMint stories.)