Yes he did. West Virginia’s Democrat A.G. Darrell McGraw has just crossed a well marked line in political, and public discourse.

“I do subscribe to the idea that the means and methods the National Chamber uses to influence public opinion are like those Hitler used,” McGraw said while being interviewed in his state Capitol office. “Exaggeration and propaganda of all sorts.”

The regional director of the Anti-Defamation League called McGraw’s comments “appalling.”

“To compare the tactics of the Chamber to those of Hitler are not only offensive, but it shows a profound lack of understanding for who Hitler was, what he stood for and what tragedies his regime perpetrated,” said Shari Kochman, regional director of the Ohio/Kentucky/Allegheny region of the ADL. “There’s no parallel in history. None. And whenever there is any comparison to Hitler, it diminishes the history and the memory of the 6 million Jewish people and the 5 million people of other ethnicities who perished under his regime. It also insults the memory of those fought bravely against Hitler.

In this case, you don’t even have to ask where’s the outrage? Instead folks should be asking – where’s the commonsense? How out of touch, or insensitive, or tone deaf is this guy? You MUST expect better, more rational, more educated commentary and analysis from people entrusted with so much responsibility.

Instead of spinning, Mr. McGraw should just apologize – profusely – and get as far away from this latest – colossal – misstep as soon as possible.

You must read West Virginia Record’s coverage of this beauty – don’t just take our word for it.

Sorry West Virginia – he’s yours until November.