McCready, Republicans Weigh in On Patterson Hitler Comment

State Rep. Mike McCready, R-Bloomfield Hills, joined a slew of legislators from across the state Friday to address and ask Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson to apologize for comparing House Speaker Jase Bolger to Adolph Hitler.

Patterson made the comparison — and held a black comb underneath his nose to symbolize the former Nazi Party leader's signature mustache — during Friday's taping of the 'Off the Record' show. The round-table discussion aired on WKAR and public television affiliates Friday night will air again at usual times on Sunday.

Patterson, who is still recovering from injuries suffered in a terrible car crash last August, was a guest on the show to discuss Michigan's no-fault insurance law. The controversial law faces reform in Lansing, and Patterson apparently isn't pleased with how the process is going.

"'Adolf' Bolger, you mean? He's really become very arrogant and he's throwing his weight around up there," Patterson said during the show. "If he thinks he's going to be a candidate for governor, he better learn how to control his temper, he better learn to work with the consensus within his own party."

McCready, who was elected to represent Birmingham and the 40th District in the State House of Representatives last fall, was among dozens of current legislators to quickly issue a statement asking Patterson to apologize Friday.

"This is in an environment with higher than normal tensions, and we often become passionate about our work," McCready state. "But we must stay respectful of each other and sensitive to the world around us, including never comparing anyone to Adolf Hitler."

"It is my hope that Brooks apologizes immediately, because this type of language has no place in our lives."

Patterson used Twitter to respond to the controversy late Friday afternoon.

"I alienated some in Jewish comm.when I called the Speaker "Adolf." I was commenting on his leadership style. To those offended I apologize," he wrote.