New York, NY, May 20, 2005 … After Senator Rick Santorum apologized for his remarks comparing the Democrats use of the filibuster to oppose judicial nominees to "the equivalent of Adolf Hitler in 1942," the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reiterated its concern about inappropriate comparisons to Nazis and the Holocaust in political debates, which are becoming all-too common in Washington.

"Once again, Nazi imagery was used in a political debate, where it has no place," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "Whatever your views on the Senate rules relating to the use of the filibuster and judicial nominations, it is inappropriate and insensitive to compare American democratic procedures with actions taken by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party."

After learning of his remarks on the Senate floor yesterday, ADL wrote a letter to the Pennsylvania Senator, urging him to repudiate his words and apologize for "distorting an important issue with such an inappropriate comparison to Hitler."  Sen. Santorum later issued a statement saying the reference "was meant to dramatize the principle of an argument, not to characterize my Democratic colleagues.… Nevertheless, it was a mistake and I meant no offense."

In March, the League criticized similar comments on the filibuster debate by West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd.

"This kind of language makes no sense," said Mr. Foxman. "America's elected officials must refrain from invoking Hitler, the Nazis and the Holocaust, which have no place in our nation's political discourse."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.