YOU COULD SEE IT COMING: Kathryn Jean Lopez at The Corner relates that

Addressing a group of Reform Jews at a conference this morning in Washington, former Wisconsin Gov. /HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson crowed about leaving public service for the more financially rewarding business world.

"I'm in the private sector," Thompson said, "and for the first time in my life I'm earning money."

Which is where he should have stopped. But he didn't.

"You know that's sort of part of the Jewish tradition and I do not find anything wrong with that."

Oy vey.

Thompson later tried to make it right, but dug the hole a bit deeper.

"What I was referring to, ladies and gentlemen, is the accomplishments of the Jewish religion," Thompson explained. "You've been outstanding business people and I compliment you for that."

From the sound of it, and considering his audience, Thompson just didn't know how to relate to his audience. But you just knew that the NJDC would jump on this--and they did: GOP Presidential Candidate Tommy Thompson says Making Money is Part of the Jewish Tradition.

Truth be told, you could hardly expect such a statement to pass ignored. Just as statements by the Democrats have not been ignored either. Remember Howard Dean last year:

“I was recently asked about the difference between the Democratic and Republican parties,” Dean said. “When it comes right down to it, the essential difference is that the Democrats fundamentally believe it is important to make sure that American Jews feel comfortable being American Jews.”

Allahpundit has some photos that remind us that Democrats don't always make us comfortable either.

Technorati Tag: Tommy Thompson and Howard Dean.