Senior vice president of NAACP decries Santorum and Gingrich

Hilary Shelton, senior vice president of the NAACP, said Republican presidential candidates Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich utilized stereotypes about African Americans that were "not only offensive, but factually inaccurate."

Both candidates linked African Americans to welfare this week. Gingrich suggested Thursday that African Americans would rather collect food stamps than find employment. Santorum said Monday he didn’t want to give welfare to “black people.” Instead, he wanted to “give them the opportunity to go out and earn their money.”

Shelton noted their comments did not reflect the facts. White Americans account for the largest percentage of welfare payments each month.

"Taking away that safety net is not only irresponsible but it’s downright dangerous and it’s unfair to the American people," he added.

Shelton described the candidates' comments as unnecessary and ignorant. "If people see this as being truthful, it is downright dangerous."

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