That crazy Zirkle!

Tony Zirkle: Racist, or dumb as Urkel?

Tony Zirkle, Republican candidate for 2nd District U.S. representative, said he is willing to talk to any group that invites him, and that's why he addressed a weekend gathering in Chicago of the American National Socialist Workers Party.

The occasion was a celebration of the 119th anniversary of the birth of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.

Photos an ANSWP Web site show Zirkle at the podium in front of the larger-than-life portrait of Hitler, flanked by an American flag on one side and a Nazi flag on the other. Swastika banners hang on the wall, and other head-table guests are wearing swastika arm bands.

In his defense, Zirkle didn't know they were Nazis.

He also told WIMS radio in Michigan City that he didn't believe the event he attended included people necessarily of the Nazi mindset, pointing out the name isn't Nazi, but Nationalist Socialist Workers Party.

The festive decorations must have escaped his notice, as did the tearful, cheerful singing of "Happy Birthday" to the portrait of Adolf Elizabeth Hitler.

via SteveG, whose take is hilarious