Beware of Palin, Democrat Congressman warns Jews and Blacks

Washington, Sept.26 : A Democrat representing Florida in the House of Representatives -- Alcee Hastings - has warned Jews and Blacks to beware of Sarah Palin because "anybody toting guns and stripping moose don't care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks."astings, who is black and a Democrat, made the comment in Florida at a panel discussion hosted by

"If Sarah Palin isn't enough of a reason for you to get over whatever your problem is with Barack Obama, then you damn well had better pay attention," Hastings told the audience, which burst into laughter and applause, according to individuals present.

Palin spokeswoman Maria Comella declined to comment.

The Republican Jewish Coalition, however, strongly condemned Hastings' statements, terming them unconscionable and capable of sowing seeds of fear and division among the people.

Alabama Congressman Artur Davis also denounced Hastings' comments.

"Alcee Hastings is a friend and I know Alcee well enough to know that he uses provocative humor to make a point. In this instance, however, I didn't like his comments when I heard them and they don't sound any better reading them in print," he said in a written statement sent to FOX News.

Hastings, a former federal judge, was impeached and removed from the bench in 1989 for perjury and corruption. Elected to Congress in 1992, he supported Hillary Clinton during the primaries until she conceded the race.

Historically, Jews have overwhelmingly voted Democratic, but the McCain campaign is vigorously courting that constituency as Obama has fought off false Internet rumors that he is a Muslim with an anti-Jewish agenda.

Obama also came under fire in April for describing small-town Americans during a closed San Francisco fundraiser as people who are "bitter" over job losses and who "cling to their guns and religion."

Hastings' office and the Obama campaign did not immediately respond for this story.

ANI