National media runs with Indiana lawmaker's comments on Girl Scouts

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- Media outlets across the country ran with reaction Wednesday to an Indiana lawmaker’s comments against the Girl Scouts.

National networks including CBS and CNN covered the story in-depth as did late night host, Jimmy Kimmel and most nationally distributed newspapers.

Many people in Morris' hometown including, Ruth Hazelet called the reason for the attention an embarrassment.

“It just makes us all look stupid,” Hazelet said.

Others like Keith Hyman who called himself a Morris supporter said the comments have been blown out of proportion.

Rep. Bob Morris, a Republican from Fort Wayne, has stood by his opinion of the organization as one that is radical, promotes abortions and homosexuality. 

Those allegations were issued in a letter Morris sent to House Republicans explaining why he refused to sign a resolution to celebrate the 100 ^th anniversary of the Girl Scouts.

“This letter was intended for my colleagues, and it’s something that my family and I feel deeply about in our decision,” Morris said.

Morris cited unspecific Internet research for the basis of his thoughts on the Girl Scouts.  

“I challenge each of you to get on the Internet and do the research yourself in regards to the Girls Scouts of America and you’ll find many of the same findings that I found,” Morris said to members of the media Tuesday.

Morris along with every other House member will be up for reelection in November 2012.  The chairman for the Allen County Republican Party, Steve Shine, said the impact on Morris’ chances to be elected again is yet to be seen.

“Bob is a very good state representative and this is a blemish on the record that is unfortunate in its public relations point-of-view,” Shine said.  “It certainly will be something that he will have the opportunity to further explain and present to the public.”

Rep. Morris is a freshman member of the Indiana General Assembly.