Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Tom Scheck

DFL state lawmaker retracts controversial tweet

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

State Rep. Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley,has apologized for calling U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas “Uncle Thomas” on Twitter.

Winkler originally took to Twitter to criticize Thomas and the four conservative justices on the Supreme Court for their decision on the Voting Rights Act. Winkler later deleted the tweet after others called him on it.

 

Winkler also tweeted that he didn’t consider “Uncle Tom” to be a racist term.

Uncle Tom is a character in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s anti-slavery novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” The term is considered controversial in some African American circles because it is used to criticize African Americans who will say and do anything to stay in good standing with white cultures.

Winkler, who was considering a run for Minnesota Secretary of State, isn’t shy about making his opinion known both on Twitter and on the floor of the Minnesota House. He later wrote on Twitter that he is no longer considering a run for Secretary of State.

Update: Winkler issued this statement through the MN House Communications Department:

“I was very disappointed today in the Supreme Court decision to roll back key provisions of the Voting Rights Act because I believe the Voting Rights Act is one of the most important steps our nation has taken to eliminate racial discrimination.

 In expressing that disappointment on twitter, I hastily used a loaded term that is offensive to many. My words were inappropriate and I apologize. The implications of this Supreme Court decision are serious for our state and country and I regret that my comments have distracted from the serious dialogue we must have going forward to ensure racial discrimination has no place in our election system.”