CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- A 91-year-old freshman Republican lawmaker who suggested the mentally disabled should be shipped to Siberia has resigned from the New Hampshire House.
State Rep. Martin Harty of Barrington said in his resignation letter Monday that he was sorry his "big mouth caused this
furor." He said with all the "slightly unfavorable publicity" he couldn't be effective.
Harty's comments came to light last week during testimony at a hearing on proposed cuts to the state budget. When confronted about the comment, Harty was unapologetic. He said he was kidding around with a female caller who supported funding for the homeless when he raised the issue of eugenics and the world's population growth.
He said he didn't know what to do with mentally disturbed people and suggested renting a spot off Russia.
(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
NH Lawmaker Resigns Over 'Mentally Disabled' Comment
/ CBS Boston
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- A 91-year-old freshman Republican lawmaker who suggested the mentally disabled should be shipped to Siberia has resigned from the New Hampshire House.
State Rep. Martin Harty of Barrington said in his resignation letter Monday that he was sorry his "big mouth caused this
furor." He said with all the "slightly unfavorable publicity" he couldn't be effective.
Harty's comments came to light last week during testimony at a hearing on proposed cuts to the state budget. When confronted about the comment, Harty was unapologetic. He said he was kidding around with a female caller who supported funding for the homeless when he raised the issue of eugenics and the world's population growth.
He said he didn't know what to do with mentally disturbed people and suggested renting a spot off Russia.
(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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