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Congressman Pushes Children Into Bitter, Patriotic Sing-Off

Republican Bob Turner
Republican Bob Turner, who is running for U.S. Congress in a race in New York’s heavily Democratic 9th District, speaks with the media at a polling station on September 13, 2011 in New York City. Turner is running against Democratic Assemblyman David Weprin to succeed former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) who resigned in June after admitting he sent partially nude photos of himself to women via the Internet. The race has received strong media attention as it is being viewed as a possible bellwether of support for U.S. President Barack Obama.NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 13: Republican Bob Turner, who is running for U.S. Congress in a race in New York’s heavily Democratic 9th District, speaks with the media at a polling station on September 13, 2011 in New York City. Turner is running against Democratic Assemblyman David Weprin to succeed former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) who resigned in June after admitting he sent partially nude photos of himself to women via the Internet. The race has received strong media attention as it is being viewed as a possible bellwether of support for U.S. President Barack Obama. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Photo: Spencer Platt/2011 Getty Images

Representative Bob Turner, who just happens to be seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, decided to protest the principal who replaced “God Bless the USA” with Justin Bieber’s “Baby” at a kindergarten graduation, even though it turns out that never actually happened. On Monday, Turner showed up at the Coney Island elementary school to lead flag-waving children and parents in a rendition of “God Bless the USA.” Those who support the principal countered with “America the Beautiful” and, according to the New York Times, the event “devolved into rival groups of children singing in a kind of face-off.” It’s sad to see some officials can’t put aside the partisan ugliness, even on Justin Bieber Day Eve.

Congressman Pushes Children Into Sing-Off