Dem Says GOP Hopeful Wants to Shoot Gays in the Head

(BY MARK J. KONKOL, Chicago Sun-Times) - Always-outspoken state Sen. Rickey Hendon on Saturday took aim at Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Brady at a "get out the vote" rally on the West Side.

"I've never served with such an idiotic, racist, sexist, homophobic person in my life," Hendon said before introducing Gov. Quinn. "If you think that the minimum wage needs to be three dollars an hour, vote for Bill Brady. If you think that women have no rights whatsoever, except to have his children, vote for Bill Brady. If you think gay and lesbian people need to be locked up and shot in the head, vote for Bill Brady."

Quinn tried to distance himself from the remarks, telling reporters, "I don't associate myself with those comments."

"I believe in civility," he said. "I disagree with people in politics, like my opponent Sen. Brady. I don't engage in name calling. Never have, never will."

Hendon later told the Chicago Sun-Times that his harsh characterization of Brady, a state senator from Downstate Bloomington, was based on the candidate's voting record. Hendon claims Brady has regularly voted against bills that have affirmative-action components that affect minorities, women and gays.

And Hendon says he won't take it back.