GOP aide resigns over criticism of Obama daughters

WASHINGTON — An aide to a Republican congressman resigned Monday after her Facebook post criticizing President Barack Obama's daughters touched off a backlash.

Elizabeth Lauten, communications director to Rep. Stephen Fincher of Tennessee, said 16-year-old Malia Obama and her sister Sasha, 13, should have shown more "class" at a turkey-pardoning ceremony last week at the White House.

Lauten wrote that the girls should "respect the part you play," and added: "Then again your mother and father don't respect their positions very much, or the nation for that matter, so I'm guessing you're coming up a little short in the 'good role model' department."

Lauten also urged the Obama girls to "dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar."

Lauten later apologized for the comments and deleted the original post, which drew harsh criticism across social media.

Jessica Carter, chief of staff for Fincher, said Monday that Lauten resigned. Carter had no additional comment on a personnel matter.

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