Rep. Cravaak, Who Called CAIR A ‘Terrorist Organization,’ Reads Anti-Muslim Hate Literature

Freshman Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-MN) caused a stir earlier this year when he referred to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a civil rights group for Muslim Americans, as “basically…a terrorist organization.” He made the comment during a hearing with Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca.

Although Cravaack has neglected to develop any legislative achievements, he has nurtured a reputation as one of several vocal Muslim bashers in Congress. A new profile of the congressman by Jeremy Herb in the Star Tribune notes that Cravaack keeps “Sharia: The Threat to America,” a report published by anti-Muslim hate activist Frank Gaffney, on his office desk:

One of Cravaack’s biggest moments in the D.C. spotlight occurred when he accused the Los Angeles County sheriff of “dealing with a terrorist organization” for his work with the Council on Islamic-American Relations. Cravaack’s comments led to a Washington Post columnist writing that the ghost of Joe McCarthy “found a host” in Cravaack. [...] From his statements on CAIR and Cirrus to his warnings about the danger of foreign-owned debt, Cravaack has developed a pointed interest in guarding against foreign threats. He has two books about Islam and terrorism at his desk: “Sharia: The Threat to America” and “The Terrorist Next Door.”

Gaffney, the head of a group called Center for Security Policy, has made a name for himself spreading insane conspiracy theories about Muslims. When he is not arguing that President Obama is a secret agent of the Muslim Brotherhood or claiming that radical Muslims have infiltrated the top levels of American government, he is calling for people who practice Islam to be prosecuted under sedition laws. While Gaffney’s views may seem absurd, he is incredibly influential. He regularly appears on Fox News, major conservative conferences, and his writing is referenced in the manifesto by the alleged Norwegian terrorist Anders Behring Breivik. Moreover, Gaffney was a pivotal figure in organizing the hysterical protests against a planned Muslim American community center in lower Manhattan.

When Cravaak made his disparaging remarks to CAIR, he justified himself by claiming, “I did my homework.” Apparently he was referring to folks like Gaffney.