Comparing Obama and Hitler draws apology

BALTIMORE, June 26 (UPI) -- The head of a Maryland Republican women's group has apologized for a Web posting that compared U.S. President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler.

The analogy stirred an abrupt controversy on blogs and cable television news, the Baltimore Sun said.

Joyce E. Thomann, president of the Republican Women of Anne Arundel County, wrote in a letter on the group's Web site that "Obama and Hitler have a great deal in common in my view. Obama and Hitler use the 'blitzkrieg' method to overwhelm their enemies."

She went on say, "Fast, carpet bombing intent on destruction. Hitler's blitzkrieg bombing destroyed many European cities -- quickly and effectively. Obama is systematically destroying the American economy and with it America."

As criticism grew, the group's board of directors denounced Thomann's writings Thursday and two Republican candidates for Annapolis alderman returned her campaign donations.

Soon after, Thomann apologized. She called her wording a "poor choice." Obama, she said, was "worthy of our great honor and respect."