Alcee Hastings

Alcee Hastings is a U.S. congressman, representing Florida's 23rd district. He was the first African-American to be elected to congress since the U.S. Civil War. Hastings is serving his eight term in the Congress. He has a law degree and has previously served as a judge. In 1989, he was removed from the position of Federal District Judge in Florida after convicted of eight impeachment articles, including conspiring to receive a bribe.The New York Times: Hastings Ousted As Senate Vote Convicts Judge (October 21, 1989)

In September 2008, Alcee made controversial statements on vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, saying: "Anybody toting guns and stripping moose don't care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks." He made the comment at a panel discussion sponsored by the National Jewish Democratic Council.ABC News Blogs: Florida Congressman: "Palin Don't Care"... (September 24, 2008) Hasting subsequently issued a public apology for the comments.CNN: Congressman apologies for Palin comments (September 29, 2008)

In April 2009, while addressing congress on the content of a hate crime bill, Hastings publicly mocked the language used in the bill, listing a series of sexual fetishes on the House floor which were listed on the bill as not being included under the defintion of sexual orientation.TMZ: Cover Your Ears -- Congress Gets Nasty! (April 30, 2009)