Rep. Kelly KeislingNASHVILLE, Tenn. -
A Tennessee lawmaker says he regrets forwarding an email from his legislative office that contained rumors that President Obama might stage a fake assassination and impose martial law to avoid the 2012 election.
The email is drawing national attention and a demand for an apology from the Tennessee Democratic Party chair.
"Earlier this week, I forwarded an email from my legislative office that should not have been sent out," said Rep. Kelly Keisling in a statement.
"The message was inappropriate for distribution. I regret the error and pledge to be more cautious regarding the information distributed from my office in the future," the Byrdstown Republican lawmaker added in the statement.
He did not make any specific reference to what was sent out or by whom.
Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Chip Forrester was more specific with a statement and citation of national news outlets carrying the story.
He said, "Republicans in the legislature are bound and determined to turn Tennessee into a laughing stock with their ridiculous antics."
"For Kelly Keisling to use state resources to send out a rumor-filled and dangerous email is an egregious abuse of power and tax payer dollars," added the Democrat.
