Lawmaker Apologizes To Michelle Wilkins For Comments, Still Punished At State Capitol

DENVER (CBS4) - A Colorado lawmaker issued an apology to a Longmont woman who had her unborn baby cut from her, but he still was punished at the state Capitol for making comments about the attack.

Rep. Gordon Klingenschmitt, R-Colorado Springs, apologized to Michelle Wilkins and his followers in his weekly show posted online.

"I do want to apologize for my words last week, because I was so angry that I forgot to be compassionate," Klingenschmitt said on his show. "My words were not compassionate, and therefore I apologize."

Last week on his show, Klingenschmitt said, "This is the curse of God upon America for our sin of not protecting innocent children in the womb."

Klingenschmitt was referring to the incident where Wilkins, 26, answered a Craigslist ad for baby clothes allegedly placed by Dynel Lane. Lane, 34, is accused of stabbing Wilkins and removing her baby.

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The Wilkins family returned a $1,000 donation the lawmaker made to them.

Last Thursday at the Capitol fellow Republican lawmakers, including House Assistant Minority Leader Polly Lawrence, said his comments were appalling.

On Monday the Denver Post reported that House Minority Leader Brian DelGrosso removed Klingenschmitt from the Health, Insurance and Environment Committee as punishment.