The Republican party chairman for St. Joseph County sharply denounced Tony Zirkle’s suggestion that the United States should debate segregating by race.

Zirkle is one of four people seeking the Republican nomination as the 2nd-district congressman. In a story in Tuesday’s edition of The Tribune, Zirkle said he wasn’t saying which side of the debate he’d take but that segregation might be a way to deal with the high rate of black men in prison and out-of-wedlock births among blacks.

"These comments are antiquated and asinine and are the childish machinations of a publicity hound," said Chris Riley, St. Joseph County Republican chairman. "In no way does this notion of segregation reflect the views of the Republican party. This is just taking publicity hunting to a whole new low."

"I’m very upset that someone who carries the Republican shield has made these remarks," Riley added.

Thus far, the Republican party is embracing only one candidate for the congressional seat, Luke Puckett — the only guy, Riley said, who’s talked with him about running a campaign. Puckett also is dismayed with Zirkle’s comments.

Joseph Roush of Culver, who also wants the party’s nomination, said of Zirkle: "I couldn’t believe anyone in this day and age would take this archaic approach."

On the other hand, Roush said, "It makes me look about as normal as possible," explaining that his own views don’t jibe with the national mainstream Republican party.

Roush says he lines up more with Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul than with John McCain. For example, Roush feels the United States should pull out of the Iraq war immediately.

Will Zirkle’s comments hurt the Republican party or help the Democratic party? St. Joseph County Democratic Chairman Butch Morgan said it’s too soon to tell.

Riley is certain: It won’t hurt Republicans, he said.

But what of the 30 percent of votes that Zirkle garnered in the 2006 Republican primary race for the congressional seat against incumbent Chris Chocola? Back then, Zirkle also made controversial proposals like using the guillotine to punish child pornography "pimps."

Back then, at least, Zirkle touched on issues that people care about, like pornography and prostitution, Morgan said. Not now, he added.

"That was a different time," Riley said, explaining that there was a backlash against Republicans in general and Zirkle seemed to voters an alternative.

The backlash is over, Riley said. Now voters hunger for debates on serious issues like the "war on terror," the economy and jobs, he said.