BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- A state House candidate ended his campaign this weekend shortly after saying that the group that claims responsibility for Friday night's Paris attacks "isn't necessarily evil."
Democratic candidate Dan Kimmel tweeted that comment about ISIS, and added, "It is made up of people doing what they think is best for their community. Violence is not the answer, though."
It did not take long for Democratic leaders to issue tough statements against their candidate.
"What Dan Kimmel said tonight does not reflect the views of the House DFL caucus," House Minority Leader Paul Thissen, D-Minneapolis, said. "We all mourn the loss of innocent lives in the horrific attacks on Paris and in other atrocities committed by ISIS around the world. They are the embodiment of evil, and to state otherwise is an affront to those who've lost loved ones at their hands. I believe Dan should apologize for his comments and end his campaign for the Minnesota House immediately."
Kimmel later tweeted: "I close my campaign."
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He apologized to campaign volunteers and contributors and said he is "very sorry for 'spreading ick' on other candidates and the DFL Party."
