Tucson Catholics are outraged over comments implying that Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll opposed the proposed Rosemont mine project because he was Catholic. Republican Shaun McClusky, a failed Tucson mayoral candidate, appeared with democrat Luke Knipe on Scott’s Tuesday, July 3 show.
McClusky and Knipe were discussing the Supervisor’s opposition to the project, and McClusky authoritatively made the claim that Carroll opposed the mine because Catholics worshipped the Santa Rita Mountains and Carroll is Catholic. Knipe, to his credit, offered a small embarrassed laugh dismissing McClusky’s comment and moved the conversation on to another subject.
Catholic listeners are planning to begin a letter writing campaign to KVOI station owner Doug Martin, protesting McClusky’s appearance and comments.
McClusky is no stranger to controversy or failed efforts. He attempted to run for Mayor of Tucson, but failed to secure enough signatures to get on the ballot. Prior to that he ran for the City Council and lost decisively.
Supervisor Carroll objects to the Rosemont Mine due to the concerns he and his constituents have regarding the water usage.
One very devout Tucson Catholic found McClusky’s comment demeaning, “How dare he imply that we worship the earth? We are grateful for the beautiful desert God gave us, but we worship Him, and appreciate His gifts.”
Another Catholic took exception to that fact that McClusky not only made Catholics look stupid but Republicans. “For goodness sake, he is an embarrassment. No, not all Republicans think that Catholics bow down to mountains.”
A former Wiccan and current Republican said, “If there are any pagans around here, it is Shaun, he worships himself and he is the biggest mountain of BS there is in these parts, and this is cattle, cotton and copper country. Open up the mine, now! We need the jobs!”