Former election comission chairman makes controversial remark

A former chairman of the South Carolina Election Commission has apologized after his posting on Facebook suggested a gorilla that escaped form a Columbia zoo was an ancestor of first lady Michelle Obama.
   
Minutes after the gorilla’s escape was reported Friday, Rusty DePass posted: “I’m sure it’s just one of Michelle’s ancestors - probably harmless.“
   
The comment has since been deleted, but DePass confirmed to WIS-TV that he made it, apologizing and saying it was a joke about statements Obama has made about evolution.
   
DePass is a former chairman of the Richland County Republican Party.

He didn’t respond to a phone message Saturday from The Associated Press.
   
Former state Republican chairman Katon Dawson says the comment was sad and disappointing.