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MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. -- The campaign spokesman for U.S. Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-Mount Kisco) has resigned following outcry over comments he made online last week.
Jay Townsend, who is also a Republican strategist, made comments on May 26 on a Facebook page titled "NY19 U.S. House of Representatives Civil Discussion Center" in which he responded to comments made by a critic about gender-salary inequity.
"Let’s hurl some acid at those female Democratic Senators who won’t abide the mandates they want to impose on the private sector," wrote Townsend, a Cornwall-on-Hudson resident.
The post drew hundreds of comments from online readers after going viral and drew criticism from Hayworth's critics. The comment has since been removed.
"On May 26, I posted a stupid, thoughtless and insensitive comment on a Facebook page," Townsend posted on his own Facebook page Sunday. "It was stupid because my words were easily misconstrued; thoughtless because my choice of words obscured a point I was trying to make, and insensitive because some have interpreted the comment as advocating a violent act. To friends, associates and clients I have offered my apology for the embarrassment I have caused, and do hereby offer it to the many who rightly found fault with my incendiary choice of words. The mistake was mine, and mine only and the post in no way was intended to represent the views of anyone for whom I have worked or represented."
Hayworth, a Mount Kisco resident who represents the 19th Congressional District, confirmed the resignation with a brief statement released today.
"Jay Townsend has offered, and I have accepted, his resignation from his position with my campaign," Hayworth said. "Now let's return to talking about issues that really matter to families: job creation, spending restraint and economic development."
One of Hayworth's Democratic opponents, Dr. Richard Becker of Cortlandt, had planned to demand Townsend's dismissal at a protest outside Hayworth's Fishkill, N.Y. office this morning. He criticized the Hayworth campaign for waiting a week to dismiss Townsend.
"Our campaign broke this story, and for five days we've been leading the charge to hold Mr. Townsend and Rep. Hayworth accountable for the horrendous comments made on her behalf," Becker said. "This kind of language is unbecoming of a Congressional spokesman and unworthy of the Hudson Valley, and we're pleased Nan Hayworth belated realized what most of us saw last week."
Perhaps ironically, Townsend maintains a Facebook page titled "How to Run For Public Office" and has written an ebook called "10 Worst Mistakes Candidates Make."
Comments (5)
Yes what a terrible comment. My feelings are so hurt. Give me a break! Are we really a bunch of wimps in this country? That's a big problem now in this country, (besides our current president), we are all worried about people's feelings. It starts in elementary school and needs to be stopped now. If your feelings get hurt bc somebody says something that offends you, TOO BAD! Live with it. I'm w you Frank-and Becker has no shot at winning .
Remember this:
"If I hear one more Republican tell me about balancing the budget, I am going to strangle them," Biden said at a fundraiser in Minnesota
What an awful comment to make! Good to see he had the good sense to resign over this.
"The democrats are ALWAYS quick to criticize but are slow to act or in fact never act." I don't believe any Democrat has called for the permanent disfigurement of women, anywhere.
Francis, you need to rethink your silly remarks.
Certainly, I do understand that politicians are just people, capable of the same mental lapses and misjudgments as everyone else; however, what people have to understand is that if you wouldn't say something publicly - in front of the cameras, you should show the same restraint when posting online.
Just because you sit privately, behind a keyboard, responding to a forum, post or article for an obscure website, doesn't mean that you should post the first thought that pops into your head. The unfortunate reality is that in a world of sensationalism, a tweet, post or comment that can be misconstrued could go viral and quickly spin out of your control (see "Cisco Fatty," one of the first Twitter oops moments that went viral).
It's unfortunate that we keep seeing the same mental error crop up over and over with public figures. I understand that social media is alluring and can be a powerful rallying force for elected officials, but it comes with a price and the internet is simply not very forgiving of mistakes.
Now we wait to see if Doctor Becker or one of his staff makes a similar "gaff". I would be willing to bet if that does happen, he and his staff WON"t be that quick to act IF at all. The democrats are ALWAYS quick to criticize but are slow to act or in fact never act. Example, Charles Bernard "Charlie" Rangel for one. Congresswoman Maxine Waters for another. How about how long it took to get rid of William Jefferson, D-New Orleans that was found with $80,000 in his refrigerators freezer?
I will remind Doctor Becker,, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. Be very careful when YOU point your finger at someone.