There is an old saying that there is no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid answers.

Here’s an example of why that statement might not be true.

Tuesday night at the first and only televised debate of Virginia’ Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, WJLA Anchor Dave Lucas posted a question to Sam Rasoul, the first Muslim ever elected to the General Assembly.

Lucas asked Rasoul about his lead in fundraising partly due to big contributions from donors connected to Muslim advocacy groups. “There’s nothing wrong with that,” Lucas said. “But that was the case. Talk a little bit about your fundraising efforts. And can you assure Virginians if you’re elected, you’ll represent all of them, regardless of faith or beliefs?”

Did Lucas ask the other candidates about donations from Christian organizations or any other religions?

It appears to us that Lucas was trying to put up a red flag and insinuating that Rasoul was the “Muslim candidate.” If you ask me, this question came off as racist.

William Fanshawe, a group manager of Sinclair Broadcast Group, sent Muslim Advocates a statement Wednesday apologizing for the anti-Muslim question. "During an important, relevant exchange related to campaign finance during the debate, our anchor, Dave Lucas, asked an inappropriate and disrespectful question to Delegate Sam Rasoul. We have reached out directly to Delegate Rasoul’s campaign and expressed our sincere apology for this question and for the impact of these words."

But let’s be honest here, the damage was done and Sinclair’s apology is not going to get near the play as the televised debate.

Sinclair has not said if they will take action against Lucas, but my guess is 10 lashes with a wet noodle will be in store for the Anchor.