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Rep. Hamann Apologizes to Maine House Colleagues Amid Effort to Oust Him

Democratic state Rep. Scott Hamann of South Portland has formally apologized to the Maine House of Representatives for a profane, obscenity-laden Facebook post last week that made national headlines.

In the post, Hamann implied that if he ever got within in 10 feet of President Donald Trump, he would harm him. Hamann later described the post as satire that he posted to a friend. But on the House floor Thursday he changed his tune.

“There is no excuse for using such vulgar and disrespectful language, and I deeply regret not only what I said, but also how I said it. These aren’t words I use in my personal, professional or political life,” he said. “My promise to this body is that I will never let a hint of that satirical language find its way into my work in this sacred institution. I never have in the past, and I will not in the future.”

Hamann said his rant has led to death threats against him and his family. And Democratic House Speaker Sara Gideon has rescinded all of his committee assignments as punishment for his behavior.

Some lawmakers wanted more to be done, but Rep. Larry Lockman, a Republican from Amherst, never introduced an order he drafted to have Hamann expelled from the House for his behavior.

Journalist Mal Leary spearheads Maine Public's news coverage of politics and government and is based at the State House.