Ultra-conservative state representative Heather Scott from North Idaho is defending so-called white nationalists in the aftermath of the events in Charlottesville. Over the weekend, Scott posted on her Facebook page that a white nationalist was someone who was for the Constitution and making America great again.
In the post, she quotes an article from a fringe news outlet saying the media has distorted the term to confuse it with white supremacist, which she says means extreme racism. That article Scott shared and quoted reasons that if one is “guilty” of being white, they're simply racist, and if they're white and pro-America, they're a white supremacist.
Associate Professor of Political Science at Boise State Justin Vaughn says the history of racist groups in the north part of the state is not something most residents of the area are proud of. Vaughn says it’s unclear if her constituents will support her position on race.
“This could be a moment where we see that she may be out of step with even the very conservative constituents in her district,” says Vaughn. “Or, it could be a moment where we learn more about exactly what the racial attitudes are in that part of the state.”
In the past, Scott displayed a Confederate battle flag while in a parade and visited the armed militia occupying the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in Oregon.
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