The predictable pushback against a bill that would name a downtown Raleigh building in honor of Sen. Jesse Helms is taking form.
Rep. Renee Ellmers introduced a bill last week that would name the historic Century Post Office the Jesse Helms Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
Ellmers, a Republican, said in a statement that the bill would ensure the staunchly conservative Helms' memory lives on among North Carolinians so that "future generations ... learn about the important work he accomplished for our state."
One of the groups none too pleased with Helms' accomplishments during his 30 years in the U.S. Senate has organized a petition voicing opposition to the bill.
The petition calls it "morally wrong to reward intolerance" and blasts Helms for opposing civil rights, voting rights, and an array of the late senator's political views.
More than 3,200 people have signed on.
There was a similar spat earlier this year when a couple members of the Wake County Commission unsuccesfully tried to name county's new criminal justice center after Helms.
Comments
Losers
December 3, 2012 - 4:05pm — creekboySince this group couldn't get Pat McCrory defeated I guess they feel it's much easier to pick on dead people. What a waste and such a silly way to raise money. Thank you Congresswoman Ellmers for standing for truth!