Dems criticized for NASCAR shots remark

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Republican lawmakers say Democratic House staffers are overreacting by getting a host of immunizations before attending a North Carolina NASCAR race.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, is conducting a study of homeland security measures at mass gatherings. He said the immunizations are good public health policy, The Washington Times said Friday.

Rep. Robin Hayes, R-N.C., said he takes exception to the recommendation that staffers be immunized against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria and influenza.

"I have never heard of immunizations for domestic travel. And as the representative for Concord, N.C., I feel compelled to ask why the heck the committee feels that immunizations are needed to travel to my hometown," Hayes said in a letter to Thompson. "I have been to numerous NASCAR races, and the folks who attend these events certainly do not pose any health hazard to congressional staffers or anyone else."

Democratic staffers say they meant no disrespect to NASCAR fans, the newspaper said.