AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine Democrats want a Republican state senator to resign over a Facebook post suggesting that President Barack Obama's family members are part of the Islamic State group.
Sen. Michael Willette asked colleagues for their forgiveness Wednesday and promised his "mistake in judgment'' won't be repeated.
The Democratic Party says Willette should step down over what they call a "prolific online history of racist and bigoted remarks.''
They are raising concerns about other posts made public this week by a liberal blogger in which, among other things, Willette expresses animosity toward Muslims. Party Chairman Phil Bartlett says they "cannot accept this discriminatory behavior from anyone.''
The Maine Republican Party says it condemns and disagrees with Willette's posts and appreciates his apology.