Rhett Marques Profanity Laden Tirade Rocks Republican Candidate Forum

Guest Opinion by Dr. Randy Brinson, President, Christian Coalition of Alabama

In the world of politics, you never say never. However, in my nearly 40 years of involvement in Alabama politics, there was always an unwritten rule dating back to the Reagan era.  "Never speak ill of a fellow Republican". Now, I am not so naive to realize in the heat of a campaign, serious disagreements and accusations occur in private and can boil over into public discourse. But never have I previously heard where these disagreements led to public confrontation and profanity.

However, that is exactly what happened Tuesday night in Barbour County.  As a Congressional Candidate Forum was wrapping up in Eufaula on Tuesday night, when State Representative Rhett Marques and his campaign consultant, Angi Horn, began hurling F-bombs and profanity at Hampton Harris, a fellow candidate for the Republican nomination, in front of a group of startled guests and participants as they were leaving the forum. The confrontation was initiated when Angi Horn, a consultant to Rhett Marques, flashed a Facebook post from a supporter of Hampton Harris, over Marques gas tax votes in the legislature. Rhett Marques, obviously irate, called Hampton to his display table to directly confront him over the post. Immediately, Ms. Horn stuck her phone in his face and began to accost him. First, she asked him if he posted it and if he approved of it. She then proceeded to call him a F... ing liar or F... ing stupid. Then, Rhett Marques started cursing again in front of the others echoing the same line, are you F...ing stupid or a F...ing liar and ended the tirade with a message from Angi Horn that "you are going to pay for this".

Lost in the entire exchange was the fact that indeed Rhett had voted for the legislation that has increased the gas tax by 67 percent on Alabama families and climbing. 

This kind of inexcusable behavior can be expected from someone like Angi Horn, despite how despicable. But for a State Representative seeking a Congressional seat, it demonstrates a total lack of decorum and civility. 

Christian Coalition of Alabama finds this behavior equally deplorable and calls on the Marques campaign and Rep. Marques to apologize to Mr. Harris and those that witnessed such behavior.

Christians should equally be appalled when political ambition and aspirations cause such vile behavior and rhetoric. In an era where the Republican congressional candidates have been rocked by sexual harassment and domestic violence accusations, its time for reflection on where politics is taking us and who we ned to represent us.

In response to this unfortunate event, Hampton Harris took the insults, stood by his position, and then walked away, without escalating the situation. That's the sign of a true statesman. Maybe that's why nearly every pro-life, pro-family and pro-Second Amendment organization has endorsed his candidacy.

The Christian Coalition of Alabama is a nonprofit organization advancing biblical values in Alabama public life.

Opinions do not reflect the views and opinions of ALPolitics.com. ALPolitics.com makes no claims nor assumes any responsibility for the information and opinions expressed above.