Derby Rep. Klarides apologizes after Twitter blunder

State Rep. Themis Klarides, who represents Derby, Orange and Woodbridge, apologized Thursday afternoon after re-tweeting a comment earlier in the morning by another person that called Gov. Dannel P. Malloy a “mean mick.”

Klarides was named the vice chairman of the state’s Republican party earlier this week.

The tweet and backlash from the Democratic party came while the legislature is back in session to fix the budget gap left by the union’s no-vote on concessions.

A little before 2 p.m., Klarides tweeted her apology, following a call to do so from the Democratic party:

“Apparently today I re-tweeted a comment authored by someone else that contained a slur against the gov. If you know me, you know that I would never use those words myself,” Klarides said. “The intent of the RT was to highlight the hypocrisy of the administration’s actions. If that author’s words caused anyone offense, then I sincerely apologize.”

Mick is an offensive term for an Irishman that likely derives from the common Irish surname prefix “Mc” and implies drunkenness among other negative stereotypes.

The offending tweet was directed at Klarides by a follower of hers. The retweet, which happened around 10:30 a.m., was as follows:

“Hahaha RT @CTIronman: @RepTKlarides @gideonstrumpet Remember Malloy’s TV ad? He conflates hyperactivity with effectiveness. And now we have one mean Mick, too :(

The tweeter of the original statement, was CTIronman, who describes himself as an “obscure attorney,” and “political muse” on his Twitter profile.

After Klarides apparent misstep, the state’s Democratic party quickly called for an apology.

“To condone—and, in this case, find humor in and perpetuate—such discourse does nothing to help people find jobs, stabilize our economy, balance our budget or solve our state’s problems,” said Democratic State Party spokesperson Jacie Falkowski. “This is the same old GOP tactic, using hurtful language when you have no ideas of your own. Rep. Klarides should apologize immediately. Her action is unbecoming of an elected official and beyond demeaning.”

Klarides apology came soon after.

Neither Malloy nor his office has issued a comment on the controversy.

In addition to being the new vice chair of the Republican Party, Klarides is the Deputy Republican leader in the House. She was first elected to her seat in 1998. She previously served on local boards in her hometown of Seymour and in Derby.

Tom Cleary