Republicans double down on eating Chick-fil-A

Republicans are doubling down in their support of a fast food chain known for their Chicken sandwiches.

Rep. Dennis Ross (R-Fla.) tweeted on Wednesday that he enjoyed a “wonderful Chik-fil-A [sic] lunch” at the Republican National Committee earlier in the day. He also delivered a warning against attempting to punish the expression of free speech.

Was great to have a wonderful Chik-fil-A lunch at the RSC lunch today.Government should not punish business 4 speech - either side.

— Dennis Ross (@RepDennisRoss) July 25, 2012

Conservatives in Washington have long been known to favor Chick-fil-a for lunches and other events. But the fast food chain, which has long demonstrated its support of Christian values by closing on Sundays among other business practices, has come under fire from gay rights supporters. Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy confirmed to the Baptist Press earlier this month that he, and by extension the company, supports the “biblical definition of the family unit.” The comment set off a renewed firestorm.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel (D) on Wednesday indicated he supports the effort by a Chicago alderman to block the chain’s permit to open a restaurant in his ward.

"Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values. They disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents. This would be a bad investment, since it would be empty," Emmanuel told the Chicago Tribune.

But fans of the chain are making a point to get behind the company.

Former GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum also sent out a letter to supporters on Wednesday urging them to join him and Mike Huckabee in celebrating Chick-fil-A day on August 1.

“No signs and no protests are needed,” he wrote. “Just simply have a meal at Chick-fil-A on August 1 for "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" and our support for traditional values will be heard loud and clear.”

From a tweet Santorum sent on Wednesday, it seems clear he is eating at Chick-fil-A as often as possible.

“It is sad that liberal groups call for tolerance, yet they are vicious in their intolerance when someone disagrees with them,” he wrote in the email.

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