Carnahan Says GOPer 'Crossed The Line' Attacking Me Over Faith

Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO) tonight tore into his Republican rival for suggesting that Carnahan and President Obama are trying to "take away" religious freedom. Carnahan said in a statement that Ed Martin (R-MO) is engaging in "fear mongering" that proves his true character.

As TPM reported last night, Martin said on a conservative radio show Tuesday that the growth of government endangers religious freedom and the "ultimate freedom ... to get your salvation." He said on the "Dr. Gina show" that "[T]hat's one of the things that we have to be very, very aware of that the Obama Administration and Congressman Carnahan are doing to us."

Carnahan responded in a statement this evening, calling Martin's comments "outrageous." Here's Carnahan's full statement:

It is shameful that Ed Martin would use faith to divide rather than unite. This is a baseless attack on my faith and my family.

My own Christian faith has guided me throughout my life. My wife and I have raised our family with the strong values faith has taught me including service to the community, standing up for civil rights and working to protect religious freedom for all faiths.

Ed Martin's campaign of personal destruction and fear mongering reveals much more about his true character than anything else. This attack demonstrates his willingness to say or do anything to score political points. Ed Martin has crossed the line and this new low is exactly the kind of campaigning that turns voters off from the importance of public service.

Martin also suggested that Carnahan's sister, Secretary of State and Senate candidate Robin Carnahan, was doing the "devil's work." TPM requested an interview with the Martin campaign but it hasn't yet come through.

Check out our earlier post to hear the audio of both remarks.