Assembly Deputy Conference Leader Scott Rumana Joins Political Support To Remove Nast

Assembly Deputy Conference Leader Scott Rumana joined Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, D-Mercer and Middlesex, in the call to have Thomas Nast’s name removed from consideration for entry into New Jersey’s Hall of Fame. Nast is known for his anti-Irish work in depicting political cartoons.

“It is inappropriate that someone whose work offended people of Irish decent and many others to even be considered for induction into our state’s Hall of Fame,” said Rumana, R-Passaic, Bergen and Essex, who is Irish. “We are a state that respects people of all ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. Mr. Nast’s work does not exemplify that respect and the potential for him to be inducted would tarnish the image of our Hall of Fame and its members. “Like Assemblyman DeAngelo, I am proud of my Irish heritage. If Mr. Nast were selected to receive this prestigious honor, it would send the wrong message not only to people of Irish heritage, but all ethnicities, races and creeds. We have come a long way as a society since the 1800’s and there is no room for Mr. Nast’s name in such a celebrated and esteemed venue. I, too, call for his name to be removed from the ballot for New Jersey’s Hall of Fame.”