Collins apologizes for calling Silver an Antichrist
Published: January 15, 2010, 8:51 am
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County Executive Chris Collins has apologized to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver after comparing him to Adolf Hitler and an "Antichrist" during remarks at Saturday evening's Erie County Republican dinner at the Adam's Mark Hotel.
In a story first reported by the New York Daily News, the county executive -- who is exploring a run for governor next year -- referred to French seer Nostradamus' predictions that the world would experience three Antichrists before the Apocalypse. He then said it's generally accepted the first was Napoleon, the second Hitler, and was "pretty sure" the third is Silver -- an orthodox Jew.
Collins said it in the context of Silver as part of Albany's "three men in a room" budget process, in which the two legislative leaders and the governor make most budgetary decisions.
The remarks are already sending shock waves through the state's political establishment, and Collins has reacted, calling his choice of words "a poor joke."
"While we may disagree strongly on policy matters, my statement had no place in our political discourse and I am truly sorry to both the speaker and to anyone else who I may have offended," he said.
He also said he had placed a call to Silver's office to personally apologize. A Silver spokesman said the speaker would have no comment.
Collins was clearly in damage control mode today as the story gained wide circulation. The county executive's words were uttered in a room full of major Republican donors, as well as state Republican Chairman Edward F. Cox and former Rep. Rick Lazio, who has already declared his gubernatorial candidacy.
One of those attending Saturday's dinner called the statement "unbelievable."
"It was staggering," said the Republican, who asked not to be identified. "It took my breath away. You just don't say something like that."
Collins' inner circle also was acknowledging the seriousness of the gaffe today, especially in view of the importance of New York City's Jewish vote in any statewide election. They pointed out that his juxtaposition of Hitler and the concept of an Antichrist with the orthodox Silver was not seen as any help to Collins' statewide ambitions.
Still, those around the county executive say he has viewed the event as a learning experience, and that his statement of apology is seen as a first step toward moving on.
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