John McCain Wrote Letter Supporting State Trooper Who Murdered Civil Rights Protestor

Anniston (AL) Star: McCain wrote on behalf of ex-trooper now awaiting trial in civil rights slaying

pdf: McCain's letter to State Department

The murder of Jimmie Lee Jackson inspired the Selma March in 1965.

Jimmie Lee Jackson was part of a march protesting against restrictions to voting, and the jailing of a civil rights worker. He was shot at such close range that there were powder burns on his abdomen.

An all-white jury declined to indict state trooper James B. Fowler in 1965.

Fowler admitted in an 2005 interview that he shot Jackson, but claimed self-defense.

Fowler's trial was scheduled to start this month, but was delayed by the judge.

McCain wrote a letter to the State Department in 1991 supporting Fowler, who at the time was in prison in Thailand awaiting trial on heroin distribution charges.

Being a black Republican is like being a Log Cabin Republican or a pro-choice Republican. There is no place for you in the party of hate.