Chicago Aldermen Condemn Rep. Miller for Hitler Remarks

CHICAGO— During a meeting on Monday Chicago aldermen moved to officially condemn 15th District Representative Mary Miller for saying, "Hitler was right on one thing," during a January rally in Washington, D.C.

The resolution denounces the Republican politician, who represents parts of Effingham, Mantoon and Charleston, Illinois. On Jan. 5, Rep. Miller delivered a speech to the conservative group Moms for America where she said elections require parties to "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,'" the Naperville native said.

The City Council resolution first passed the Health and Human Relations Committee and still has to be considered by the full council later this month.

Ald. Debra Silverstein of the 50th ward represents an area of Chicago with the highest population of Jewish residents, many of whom felt the remarks were a disgrace to the memories of family members killed in the Holocaust.

Silverstein spoke in support of the resolution on Monday.

"I can say with certainty that nothing Hitler did was right," Silverstein, who is also Jewish, said. "And as a proud citizen of Chicago, a city that stands up for ethical and moral ideas, I condemn Rep. Miller’s statements in the strongest terms possible."

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, another member of Chicago's Jewish community, also responded strongly to the congresswoman's comments in January, encouraging Miller to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center to "learn just how wrong Hitler really was."

"This reprehensible rhetoric has no place in our politics," Pritzker said. "Illinois Republicans cannot allow this to stand and must condemn this vile, evil streak in their party."

After facing backlash for her speech, Miller issued a statement a few days later and apologized for referencing "one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth."

Miller's office did not immediately reply to requests for comment on the City Council resolution.