AUGUSTA, Maine — A Maine senator says he has no intention of resigning over a series of offensive Facebook posts, including one that suggests President Barack Obama’s family members are part of the Islamic State group.
Republican state Sen. Michael Willette asked his colleagues for their forgiveness Wednesday and promised his “mistake in judgment” won’t be repeated.
The Democratic Party says Willette should step down over a “prolific online history of racist and bigoted remarks.”
They’re raising concerns about other posts made public this week by a liberal blogger in which Willette expresses animosity toward Muslims. Democratic Party Chairman Phil Bartlett says they “cannot accept this discriminatory behavior from anyone.”
Senate Democratic Leader Justin Alfond says the decision on whether Willette remains in his post should be left up to his constituents.
