Addressing a crowded room full of Somalis waving different Somali flags, Rep. Omar purportedly told the audience, “The woman you sent to Congress is working day and night to protect your interest. She knows your plight and that of Somalia. I am as concerned about Somalia as you guys are. Together we will protect the interests of Somalia.”

Regarding the video, Rep. Tom Emmer, the majority whip of the U.S. House of Representatives, issued a statement to Alpha News saying: “Ilhan Omar’s appalling, Somalia-first comments are a slap in the face to the Minnesotans she was elected to serve and a direct violation of her oath of office. She should resign in disgrace.”

[My thoughts on her remarks can be found here. I agree with Emmer that Omar should resign, in part for this but more for her earlier, bigoted attacks on Jews and Israelis. I don’t think the remarks create a *legal* basis for disqualification or expulsion, but the political case for booting her out of office in November should be argued early and often. — Ed]