ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A Minnesota legislator is under fire for comments he made about bird flu.
Rep. Ron Erhardt wore a lab coat and stethoscope on the state House floor Tuesday.
The Edina Democrat told lawmakers he felt flu symptoms over the weekend after eating turkey. He then held up a jar marked "bird flu vaccine" and said it would slow the virus down.
A strain of bird flu has led to the deaths of more than 5 million Minnesota birds in recent months.
Lawmakers in both parties immediately criticized Erhardt for what they saw as a tasteless joke.
The Minnesota Jobs Coalition wants Erhardt and the head of the House DFL caucus to apologize.
(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
DFL Lawmaker's Bird Flu Comments Criticized
/ CBS Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A Minnesota legislator is under fire for comments he made about bird flu.
Rep. Ron Erhardt wore a lab coat and stethoscope on the state House floor Tuesday.
The Edina Democrat told lawmakers he felt flu symptoms over the weekend after eating turkey. He then held up a jar marked "bird flu vaccine" and said it would slow the virus down.
A strain of bird flu has led to the deaths of more than 5 million Minnesota birds in recent months.
Lawmakers in both parties immediately criticized Erhardt for what they saw as a tasteless joke.
The Minnesota Jobs Coalition wants Erhardt and the head of the House DFL caucus to apologize.
(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Featured Local Savings
CBS News Minnesota
Lawmakers consider bill to fast-track availability of pharmaceutical grade psychedelics
Leaders protest reported ICE plan to convert Hutchins warehouse into detention facility
Contentious Colorado labor union bill clears first hurdle at legislature
Alex Pretti's family calls for joint state, federal investigation into his death
California lawmakers push for bipartisan effort to toughen penalties for DUI offenses
Citing drop in dental care for CPS students, Illinois lawmaker seeks state takeover
After Stockton derailment, California lawmaker pushes for tougher rail safety rules
Former Joliet Bishop Ronald Hicks takes over as Archbishop of New York