Social media has felled another politician. This time its happened over comments a New Hampshire state representative made wishing that former Alaska governor Sarah Palin had died in the recent airplane crash that killed former Alaska senator Ted Stevens.
The “joke” from Timothy Horrigan, a Democrat, was considered “”out of line” by the state Democratic Chairman. As reported by the Associated Press:
Those wishing to see the actual comment can see it here as someone wisely took a screenshot of the offending Facebook comment, complete with people telling him off for it. Screenshots are a concept that many politicians have yet to grasp, seemingly deleting crass comments not realising they can be copied in an instant.
Horrigan’s statement about his resignation appeared on his website, according to the Union Leader. It read as follows:
Horrigan is the second New Hampshire Democrat to get into trouble for wishing a speedy demise of Sarah Palin.
The other New Hampshire Democrat used Twitter to express her wish for Palin’s death. Associated Content has the comment and explains.
There is no word yet if Greyes will follow her colleague and resign after her comments have been made public. The comments could prove a liability if brought up in the autumn’s campaign.
Yet another example of why politicians have to be wary of social media. Then again many will wonder what is wrong with certain New Hampshire Democrats that they feel expressing regret over Palin’s living status is appropriate for an elected official.
