He says the tweet wasn’t in response to recent violence in Paris.
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At the end of his letter, Kimmel wrote “The tweet was stupid”.
He said the tweet was poorly worded and didn’t convey his intent. “Violence is not the answer, though”. He was criticized on social media, and later said he doesn’t defend the group’s acts.
Hours later, after an huge backlash including from Democrat House Speaker Paul Thissen, he closed his campaign, the Star Tribune reported.
His tweet came a day after the Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for several attacks on Paris that killed at least 129 people and injured hundreds more, many critically.
DFL party and legislative officials condemned Kimmel’s comments on the terrorist organization.
According to the Associated Press, Dan Kimmel, 63, said in a statement that his tweet was written not in response to the Paris attacks but rather to a remark made during the Democratic presidential debate on Saturday.
“I am folding up my campaign tent”, Kimmel announced.
“Earlier tonight a candidate for the Minnesota House made comments that do not reflect the views of the Minnesota DFL and have no place in our party”, DFL Chairman Ken Martin said in a statement. Both of Kimmel’s tweets were also posted on his campaign’s Facebook page. “I condemn the attacks, as I condemn all violence”.
“I apologize to the volunteers and contributors who have put so much time, effort and money into my campaign”. “Most likely the best thing for me to do is shut up”.
In the same message, Kimmel called it quits for his campaign.
Dan Kimmel was seeking the DFL nomination to challenge first-term Republican Drew Christensen. Christensen beat Kimmel past year in the same race, according to the Star-Tribune.
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The native Oklahoman received appointments to West Point, the Air Force Academy as well as a full Naval ROTC scholarship to the University of Oklahoma.
