Rand Paul says John Lewis is a ‘civil rights icon’ but not immune to criticism
Sen. Rand Paul praised Georgia Rep. John Lewis Sunday as a civil rights icon, but said he’s not “immune” to criticism from political opponents. The remarks come in response to then President-elect Donald Trump’s criticism of crime in Lewis’ district.
“John Lewis isn’t in a position where there can’t be a healthy debate. Because he’s a civil rights icon, shouldn’t make him immune” to criticism, the Kentucky senator told Jake Tapper on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
Trump’s tweet drew attacks from liberal supporters. Paul added that Lewis is, like his Democratic colleagues, a fair subject for criticism from across the aisle.

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“John Lewis is a partisan,” he said. “I have a great deal of respect for him, but he is a partisan and I disagree with him on issues. I should be able to honestly disagree with him and not have it all come back to I have no appreciation for a civil rights icon because of this and I think that’s the part I think somehow is unfair in this.”