Miller Staffer Resigns Over Hitler Comments
On Congresswoman Mary Miller’s (R-Oakland) third day in office, she praised Hitler, was condemned by members of her own party, and lost a staffer over the comments.
Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-Oakland) could have had a better third day on the job.
The freshman Representative, who was elected to replace John Shimkus in November, spoke at a pro-Trump Rally in Washington Wednesday, seemingly praising Adolf Hitler’s statements about indoctrinating children.
“If we win a few elections, we’re still going to be losing unless we win the hearts and minds of our children. This is the battle. Hitler was right on one thing. He said, ‘Whoever has the youth has the future.’”
Her comments drew an immediate wave of criticism throughout the state, but it also cost Miller one of her top staffers.
Will Nesbitt of Danville, who was hired as Northern Regional Director for Miller, resigned following Miller’s comments.
“Congresswoman Miller’s comments are unfortunate and serious,” Nesbitt tells The Illinoize. “They do not belong in our political discourse and they do not represent my beliefs and values. And, for that reason, I resigned effective January 6.”
Miller’s spokesperson has not responded to a request for comment on Nesbitt’s resignation.
Miller did not apologize for her statement and her office only issued a tweet following the negative reaction to the speech.
(Disclosure: I worked for one of Miller’s opponents in the March 2020 primary.)
Miller was also one of two Illinois Republicans to vote against certifying results of the presidential election when votes resumed late Wednesday night following a Trump-incited mob takeover of the Capitol building earlier in the day.
During her campaign, Miller aligned herself with the House Freedom Caucus, an ultra-right wing group of House Republicans who has repeatedly pledged its loyalty to President Trump.
Miller’s district represents a wide swath of central and southern Illinois, stretching from Danville to Metropolis.
