Mike Coffman, a Republican congressman from Colorado, issued an apology on Wednesday after a recording of comments he made about President Obama's origins aired on a Denver news station.
According to KUSA-TV, the NBC affiliate that obtained the audio of Coffman's comments, the congressman made his initial remarks at a fundraiser on May 12.
"I don't know whether Barack Obama was born in the United States of America. I don't know that," Coffman said. "But I do know this, that in his heart, he's not an American. He's just not an American."
Coffman released a statement Wednesday backing away from his comments.
"I misspoke and I apologize,” Coffman said in the statement. "I have confidence in President Obama’s citizenship and legitimacy as President of the United States."
He also clarified the intent of his comments: "I don’t believe the president shares my belief in American Exceptionalism. His policies reflect a philosophy that America is but one nation among many equals."
The GOP congressman will seek a third term representing Colorado's 6th District this fall. Due to redistricting in the state, Coffman is expected to have a tough time holding on to his seat in his now largely Democratic district.