Slurs are out of bounds

Word to the Washington State Democratic Party: Ethnic slurs have no place in political advertising in our state.

The Democrats ran a sleazy video ad that linked Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi, who is of Italian-American descent, to the theme song for "The Sopranos," a TV show about Italian-American mobsters.

After a protest from the Italian Club of Seattle, the party pulled the ad and spokesman Kelly Steele issued a weak apology. Both actions are insufficient to make up for the insult offered by pretending Rossi is somehow connected to organized crime. The ad does not belong in the gubernatorial race.

The Italian Club also called for state Party Chairman Dwight Pelz to step down. His resignation would be overkill. But the video and music made a lousy combination. The video blasts Rossi for his ties to the Building Industry Association of Washington. A picture of the candidate appears on the screen throughout.

Steele's explanation rings hollow: "It's a catchy song, which we thought jibed stylistically with our communication about Rossi's designated attack squad — the BIAW — who continue to pour millions into false and misleading attack ads against Governor Gregoire."

Hundreds of catchy tunes are available that don't link an Italian-American individual to a show about gangsters.

Steele apologized to the Italian Club and "anyone else we may have inadvertently offended."

Democrats need to go to Apology Class. A full apology goes like this: "We are sorry. We goofed." This should not be one of those halfhearted routines that implies the wrong belongs to those who took offense.

The rematch between Rossi and Gregoire will be tough enough — and perhaps close enough — without ethnic-based insults. Cease and desist and don't do it again.