By Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.

I was actually saddened to read that Governor Christie intends to campaign for Congressman Steve King in Iowa next week. Congressman King recently joined Congresswoman Bachmann in making an outrageous claim that Huma Abedin, an aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, had ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

To their credit the allegations were rejected by Republican lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. John McCain who called Bachmann’s accusations “sinister” and without merit, and House Speaker John Boehner who said “accusations like this being thrown around are pretty dangerous.”

This is the United States of America, after all. We must never ignore hate speech whether it is based on race, religion or ethnic background. Despite our political differences, I know that Governor Christie is a good man. I'm sure he recognizes that a true patriot stands up to demagogues even if they are members of his own political party.

I therefore implore him to do the right thing. Show an example not only to Republicans but to all Americans. Cancel your trip to Iowa and join Senator McCain and Speaker Boehner in condemning the actions of Congressman King. 

Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. represents the 18th Legislative District.