Within the past week, several notable Democrats have accused Republican lawmakers of being influenced by racism when it comes to their policy opinions.

In an interview with CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, U.S. Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) -- who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee -- told host Candy Crowley that the GOP "has elements that are animated by racism."

Israel made the comments after Crowley asked if he thought members of the Republican Party are racist.

"Not all of them, no, of course not," Israel responded. "But to a significant extent, the Republican base does have elements that are animated by racism, and that's unfortunate."

The New York representative also discussed similar comments made last week.

On Thursday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) made similar remarks when she suggested Republicans won't support immigration reform because of race.

"I think race has something to do with the fact that they are not bringing up an immigration bill," Pelosi said at a news conference. "I've heard them say to the Irish, 'If it was you, it would be easy.'"

While speaking at a civil rights forum last week, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said "the last five years have been defined by significant strides and lasting reforms, even in the face, even in the face, of unprecedented, unwarranted ugly and divisive adversity."

However, Israel told Crowley he doesn't believe the recent race accusations have anything to do with the upcoming midterm elections.

"We don't need to get our base out, because frankly, we're ready to pass an immigration bill. We'd rather pass an immigration bill than worry about the election," he said.