Stefanik demands resignation over Trump comments

House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., has called for the resignation of Potsdam Town Council member Christine Paige after she made inflammatory remarks comparing former President Trump to a "rabid dog" following a recent shooting incident. Paige's comments, which sparked bipartisan outrage, were made in a now-deleted Facebook post discussing the attempted assassination of Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania. Stefanik condemned Paige's statements, asserting that they reflect poorly on the Democratic Party and calling for her to resign in disgrace. In her Facebook comment, Paige questioned Trump's humanity and likened the act of shooting him to "putting down a rabid dog." This remark has drawn significant criticism, with Stefanik emphasizing that such rhetoric is unacceptable for an elected official representing the North Country. The controversy has led to a flood of communications to the Potsdam Town Council, as residents express their disapproval of Paige's comments. Potsdam Town Council Supervisor Marty Miller, a Democrat, distanced the council from Paige's remarks, stating that they do not reflect the views of the board. He described the situation as a "nightmare" for the council and noted that they lack the authority to remove a member. Despite the pressure, Paige has indicated that she will not resign from her position, further complicating the local political landscape. The incident is part of the ongoing fallout from the July 13 shooting at Trump's rally, where a gunman opened fire, injuring Trump and killing one attendee.