BOSTON — Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Rep. Edward Markey is cancelling a planned fundraising appearance by a former "The Dukes of Hazzard" actor who criticized NASCAR for banning the show's "General Lee" car from driving a parade lap.
NASCAR last year barred a planned appearance by the 1969 Dodge Charger featured in the television series because the car has a Confederate flag on its roof. The Confederate flag is considered by some as an emblem of slavery in the U.S. South.
Dukes of Hazzard actor and ex-Georgia Congressman Ben Jones criticized the decision, calling it "an extraordinary insult to rural Southerners."
Jones and his band were scheduled to perform at a Markey fundraiser Tuesday.
A spokesman for Markey said he had only learned of Jones' comments Tuesday. Markey said he believes Confederate relics are highly offensive, and shouldn't be displayed in public.
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