WILMINGTON, Del. - The Republican candidate for the U.S. House has issued a public statement for the first time since being removed from a candidates forum last week after misgendering his opponent multiple times.
Dr. Joe Arminio referred to U.S. Rep Sarah McBride (D-Delaware), who is the first openly transgender member of Congress, as "him" and a "gentleman" while answering policy questions last Thursday, ultimately leading to Arminio being removed following a verbal warning about respecting his opponent.
McBride asked organizers to allow Arminio to stay on the stage, which the Republican said he appreciated, "in so doing, defended my freedom of speech, which I appreciate."
He want on to say that McBride is utilizing her own freedom of speech by calling herself a woman.
"I myself am a firm supporter of freedom of speech and the Constitution in its entirety. That, of course, extends to one's right to assert the "gender identity" of one's choosing, as well as to assert the facts as one sees them."
He said he wants to move on from the controversy.
"My sole intent was to concentrate on the economy and foreign conflicts. In the time allotted to me, I addressed some of these issues, and noted that the Representative whom I oppose has helped perpetuate our failing economy and endless conflicts, whereas, I believe I have exceptionally good solutions."
Arminio was 11 seconds into answering a question about rising health care costs being 18% of GDP when he referred to McBride and U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware) as "gentlemen", leading to his dismissal.
After Arminio's ejection, fellow Republican, U.S. Senate Candidate Dr. Mike Katz, apologized for Arminio's comments, and went on to call for Arminio to bow out of his race, which would have effectively removed any Republican from being on the general election ballot in November.
While not specifically addressing Katz's comments, it appears Arminio will be ignoring that advice, saying he plans to introduce an education reform initiative in the upcoming days.
