Rep. C. Saxby Chambliss is in his 4th term in the US House of Representatives and is chairman of the House subcomittee on terrorism and homeland security. He has also announced his intentions to run against incumbent Senator Max Cleland for his US Senate seat.

Earlier this month, at a meeting of Georgia law enforcement personel, he quipped "just turn (the sheriff) loose and have him arrest every Muslim that crosses the state line". Needless to say, Chambliss' "joke" has not endeared him to many people and anti-discrimination groups have spoken out against him. Apparently fearing negative publicity, Chambliss attempted to persuade Valdosta Daily Times reporter Bill Roberts to refrain from publishing a story on his comments and even enlisted the local sheriff to block publication (though the story doesn't specify exactly what methods would be used).

Chambliss issued a non-apology and claimed his remarks were taken out of context.

Sources: Washington Post, Valdosta Daily Times

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