DebraLee Hovey apologizes for ‘insensitive’ remarks about Gabrielle Giffords

Rep. DebraLee Hovey retreated from disparaging remarks she made about former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ visit last Friday to Newtown, saying Monday she was deeply affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

"The remarks I made regarding Congresswoman Giffords' visit were insensitive and if I offended anyone I truly apologize," Rep. Hovey said.  "My comments were meant to be protective of the privacy of the families and our community as we work to move on, and were in no way intended as an insult to Congresswoman Giffords personally. Our community has struggled greatly through this tragedy, and we are all very sensitive to the potential for this event to be exploited for political purposes.  This is what I wish to avoid."

"The events of December 14th affected all of us deeply and like many others I am still working through my grief and trying to come to terms with what happened, how we as a community and a state move forward and how we can prevent horrific events like this from occurring in the future," she said.  "My deepest condolences continue to go out to the families, the community of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown and Connecticut."