The Hill News

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele demanded Thursday that Senate Democratic campaign chief Robert Menendez chime in on Sen. Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) comments on Hispanics and the GOP.

The Senate majority leader raised eyebrows this week when he said, "I don't know how anyone of Hispanic heritage could be a Republican, OK?" Reid's comments were made in reference to the GOP opposition to immigration reform legislation, but angered many in the party.

“It is incumbent on Senator Robert Menendez, as Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which is poised to give millions to Harry Reid’s reelection, to stand up and be counted," St! eele said. "Do you, Senator Menendez, condemn these ugly remarks that reduce Hispanic Americans to one monolithic voting bloc incapable of individual thoughts and concerns over the direction of our country?" 

Along with his duties as head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), Menendez (N.J.) is the only senator who is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. 

Reid's campaign has already stood by its comment.