Illinois House Democrats bash Republican for saying his caucus is part of 'team Jew'

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — An Illinois House Republican was quick to criticize Gov. JB Pritzker Thursday for comparing President Donald Trump's leadership to the rise of Nazi power in Europe.

Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) said Pritzker implied that the Republican party is full of Nazis during his state of the state and budget address Wednesday. The Republican said his caucus has shown significant support for Israel through resolutions and floor speeches over the past year.

"We are part of team Jew," Reick said. "We support Israel. We don't see any Democrat co-sponsors on those resolutions."

Two House Democrats took great offense to Reick's statement.

"When you say on the floor you support Israel and that makes you 'team Jew', you are engaging in among the most pernicious forms of antisemitism that exists," said Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove).

Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) also said Reick had no right to use pain of the Jewish community to score political points. Gong-Gershowitz said lawmakers can disagree respectfully, but Reick's comments were unacceptable.

The House session ended shortly after the intense points of personal privilege. State representatives will return to work Tuesday.