Steele calls Sen. Reid's slavery remark 'ignorant'

Steele calls Sen. Reid's slavery remark 'ignorant'

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele is renewing his demand that Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid apologize for likening health care overhaul opponents to those who resisted putting an end to slavery. The Nevada Democrat made the assertion in a statement Monday as the Senate worked on legislation to remake the health care system, President Barack Obama's top domestic priority. Steele said on CBS's "The Early Show" Tuesday "it was an ignorant moment for Harry Reid." He said that when Democrats get in trouble, "they play that race card, that slavery card, that civil rights card." Reid's spokesman, Jim Manley, responded to Steele's initial statement Monday by calling his remarks "feigned outrage." _Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed._