U.S. Senate candidate John Raese, a West Virginia Republican, thinks banning smoking is the “same thing” as Adolf Hitler’s policy of forcing Jews to wear the Star of David. Raese made the comparison at the recent Putnam County Lincoln Day dinner.

Said Raese: “I have to put a huge sticker on my buildings to say this is a smoke-free environment. This is brought to you by the government of Monongalia County. OK? Remember Hitler used to put Star of David on everybody’s lapel, remember that? Same thing.”

He later stood by his comparison, declaring: “No, this is not a standard line, nor a misstatement.”

Raese has a history of making controversial statements, which may help explain why he has lost three previous U.S. Senate races in West Virginia. –TEB

Click below to see and hear Raese in action at the Lincoln Day event:

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