Republican who called Florida shooting survivor a 'skinhead lesbian' quits Maine race

Show Caption Hide Caption Parkland students march for action on guns One month after a deadly shooting that pushed their school to the center of the gun debate, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School take part in the nationwide school walkout against gun violence. (March 14)

A Republican who tweeted insults at two survivors of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, has withdrawn his candidacy for the Maine House of Representatives.

Leslie Gibson told the Bangor Daily News on Friday he decided to quit the race for House District 57 after meeting with friends, family and colleagues. He told the Sun Journal, "it's the best thing for everybody."

Gibson drew criticism after he called Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Emma Gonzalez "a skinhead lesbian" and her classmate David Hogg "a bald-faced liar" in tweets earlier this month, reports the Press Herald.

Gunman Nikolas Cruz admitted to shooting and killing 17 people at the school on Valentine's Day. Following the shooting, Gonzalez, Hogg and other Marjory Stoneman Douglas students have criticized the National Rifle Association and called on lawmakers to find ways to stop school shootings.

The Press Herald reports Gibson lobbed his criticism at Hogg after the student said NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch controls members of Congress.

"Dana Loesch 'owns' Congressman?" he asked. "Completely absurd."

Referring to Gonzalez, he said, "There is nothing about this skinhead lesbian that impresses me and there is nothing that she has to say unless you're frothing at the mouth moonbat." He later issued an apology, the Press Herald said.

Gibson, the Daily News reports, had been the lone candidate in the race until his comments. Hogg, in a tweet, urged someone to run against Gibson, pleading on March 14, "I don't care what party JUST DO IT."

Hey freinds in Maine! Who wants to run against this hate loving politician he's is running UNOPPOSED RUN AGAINST HIM I don't care what party JUST DO IT. https://t.co/vRR7p1ZHKf — David Hogg (@davidhogg111) March 14, 2018

At least two Democrats and one Republican, the Daily News reports, have since entered the race.

“I am not walking away with my head hung low," he said. "I am walking away with my head held high.”

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