Ivan Marte: Rhode Island GOP Hispanic Assembly Chairman Quits Party Over Joe Wilson
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(AP) The chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Hispanic Assembly and member of the Republican Central Committee says he has quit the GOP because he was embarrassed by South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst during President Obama's address to Congress on Sept. 9.
Wilson shouted "You lie," when President Obama said illegal immigrants would not receive benefits under his health care plan.
Ivan Marte tells The Providence Journal that Wilson's behavior was "shameful" and "uncivilized."
Marte says he has been disenchanted by the GOP since Gov. Don Carcieri ignored his advice concerning the 2008 executive order
cracking down on illegal immigration.
State party chairman Giovanni Cicione says Marte's contributions to the party were valued and he's disappointed by the resignation.
First Posted: 11/21/09 Updated: 5/25/11