WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Rep. James Moran of Virginia, under fire for saying Jews were behind the buildup toward war with Iraq, should not seek re-election next year, six fellow Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives said on Wednesday. They wrote in a letter to House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California that Moran's comments were "offensive," "ignorant" and "grossly irresponsible," and that if he does seek another term, they would not back him.

Embattled U.S. Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D) quit his House leadership post today for making what he called "insensitive" remarks about Jews pushing the nation into war with Iraq. Moran said he gave up his position as a regional Whip for the House Democrats "as a way to demonstrate acceptance of responsibility" for his controversial comments at a March 3 anti-war forum in Reston, when he said, "If it were not for the strong support of the Jewish community for this war with Iraq, we would not be doing this." "I will continue to reach out to the Jewish community and others who were offended by my remarks," Moran said in a statement released by his office. "And I will work tirelessly for all of my constituents in Northern Virginia, as I have done throughout my 13 years in Congress. Most importantly, I will strive to learn from my mistakes and listen to the concerns of my constituents." Moran's repeated apologies for the remarks haven't ended the criticism of him, and several Democrats say they're considering challenging Moran in a primary next year if he runs. Katherine K. Hanley, the Board of Supervisors chairman in Fairfax County, said she is exploring a campaign in Virginia's 8th District, as is state Sen. Leslie L. Byrne (Fairfax), a former member of Congress.

The Horse provides the invaluable service in re: James Moran, Government Mule — pointing out that he’s really an “R” kind of Democrat and he always has been. Nevertheless, the inexcusable Sean Hannity and the even less excusable Joe Scarborough (about whom more anon) have been beating the tin drum about Moran and Trent Lott, and how the R’s bravely exiled the former leader to the chairmanship of the Senate Rules Committee — “Sympathy for white supremacists? Sorry, Trent, but you’ll have to have an inferior parking space for a while.” — and why haven’t the D’s done the same with Moran and yadda-di-yadda.

All Democrats would be wise to join these six now and publicly ask Rep. Moran to resign or not to run again. Loyalty and the benefit of the doubt are two way streets. Jim "I support impeachment hearings" Moran, who is not only disloyal but corrupt, opportunistic, and, an extreme liability for the Party, has earned neither from his fellow Democrats.