California Councilman: "I'm a Proud Racist"

Yesterday, The Los Angeles Daily News featured a video of Santa Clarita councilman Bob Kellar informing a group of cheering protesters rallying against immigration that he is a "proud racist" who considers being called a radical a "compliment":

We have got to wake up America. I know you guys are engaged and you understand. But I’m telling you this is serious. And if I sound like a radical, thank you. I consider that a compliment ... The only thing I heard back from a couple people was "Bob you sound like a racist." I said, "That’s good. If that's what you think I am because I happen to believe in America. I'm a proud racist. You're darn right I am."

Watch it:

Though Kellar insists his remarks weren't intended to "express animosity towards non-whites," local Democrats describe Kellar's comments as "symbolic of the Republican Party's attitudes toward immigration in general." The rally was organized by several California anti-immigrant groups including the Santa Clarita Valley Independent Minutemen, the Santa Clarita Tea Party, and designated hate group Save Our State.

Cross-posted on The Wonk Room.