Lawmakers Respond To Bachmann's Muslim Brotherhood Claims
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- "Sinister" and "ugly" are words being used to describe accusations made by Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.
She's called for an investigation into possible government infiltration by Muslim extremists, including a top aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
In Egypt this week, Clinton's motorcade was pelted with shoes, tomatoes and taunts of "Monica," as in Lewinsky, from protesters. Some demonstrators believe their new president was forced upon Egypt through a U.S. plot. They cite a letter written to the state department by five members of Congress, including Bachmann.
Bachmann wants an investigation into top Clinton aide Huma Abedin and other government officials with possible ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group now in power in Egypt.
On Wednesday, Sen. John McCain, a fellow Republican, lashed out at Bachmann's claims.
"I hope these ugly and unfortunate attacks on her can be immediately brought to an end, put behind us before any further damage is done to a woman, an American of genuine patriotism and love of country," McCain said.
Bachmann's letter claims Abedin's late father, mother and brother are connected to the Muslim Brotherhood and that Abedin has "routine access to [Secretary Clinton] and policy-making." Abedin's father, however, died two decades ago.
"(This is) Nothing less than an unwarranted and unfounded attacked on an honorable citizen, a dedicated American and loyal public servant," McCain said.
Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison, a Democrat and a Muslim, will be on "CBS This Morning" Thursday to do fight Bachmann's claims.
"I think the evidence she offers with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood is fake, it doesn't exist," he said. "Sadly, it's the very essence of guilt by association."
Bachmann is running for re-election in the 6th Congressional District.
Her opponent, Jim Graves, thinks Bachmann's accusations are part of a pattern.
"She does these things, I don't know if they're for publicity or celebrity moves or what it is," he said. "It doesn't make any sense. It doesn't do anything good for the people of Minnesota or the 6th District."
For the second day in a row, Bachmann's office told WCCO she was not available for comment.
The congresswoman did release a statement saying the letters were being distorted, and her intent was to quote:
"Outline the serious national security concerns I had and ask for answers to questions regarding the Muslim Brotherhood and other radical groups' access to top Obama administration officials."
The state department called the accusations against Clinton's aide "vicious and disgusting lies."
