House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., has demanded the resignation of Christine Paige, a member of the Potsdam Town Council in her district, following Paige's reported comparison of former President Trump to a 'rabid dog' after an assassination attempt.
Paige's comments, which surfaced last month in local media reports, drew bipartisan criticism. Stefanik condemned the remarks, stating that those supporting political violence and the assassination of President Trump do not deserve to represent the people of the North Country.
In a now-deleted Facebook comment, Paige likened shooting President Trump to 'putting down a rabid dog,' sparking outrage and calls for her resignation. Potsdam Town Council Supervisor Marty Miller, a Democrat, distanced the council from Paige's statement, emphasizing that her views were not shared by the rest of the board.
Despite the backlash, Paige has refused to step down from her position on the town council. Miller clarified that the council lacks the authority to remove one of its members and expressed support for Stefanik's leadership.
The controversy stems from the July 13 shooting incident at Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a 20-year-old gunman fired shots from a rooftop, injuring Trump and causing the death of a rally attendee.