GOP lawmaker says neo-Nazi comments taken out of context in debate over paramilitary training

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Republican state lawmaker is accusing Democrats of misrepresenting her remarks to make her sound like a Nazi sympathizer during a debate about a bill to restrict paramilitary training in the state.

Rep. Laurel Libby, of Auburn, was speaking in opposition to the proposal, which she considers unconstitutional, when she talked about media coverage of neo-Nazi demonstrations last year in Maine.

“Let’s talk about the Nazis,” Libby said Wednesday on the House floor while making a point about freedom of expression. “I would like to know what they did, in detail if folks would like to share, that was wrong, that infringed on another person’s right. Holding a rally, and even holding a rally with guns, is not illegal,” she said.

The Maine House Democratic Campaign Committee shared the video clip on social media. “We won’t stand for this MAGA extremism in Maine. Check out who we have running against her,” the Democratic committee wrote, directing viewers to Libby’s opponent, Democrat Dan Campbell.

On Sunday, Libby described the views of Nazis and neo-Nazis as “reprehensible” but she also had harsh words for Democrats, calling the video clip “deceitful” and “a fundraising stunt.”

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