COLUMBUS, Ohio - Members of the Ohio Senate Democratic leadership condemned state Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Powell) for comparing the actions taken by Health Director Amy Acton in response of the Covid-19 pandemic to those taken by Nazi Germany.

Democratic leader, including those here in the Valley, have asked for a full apology.

"Today, I stand with Governor DeWine, President Obhof and other Democrat and Republican leaders throughout our state in condemning the statements made by Senator Andrew Brenner regarding our state's response to the coronavirus pandemic and comparing it to Nazi Germany," said Minority Whip Sean O'Brien (D-Bazetta). "Governor DeWine and Dr. Acton have done an admirable job responding to this unprecedented crisis. It is only through working together and respecting each other that we can get through these difficult days."

On Tuesday, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Senator Brenner said on Facebook that he would not allow Director Acton, who is Jewish, to turn Ohio into Nazi Germany as the state continues to implement policies to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of apologizing for his comments, Brenner blamed the media which he accused of misreporting his words.

Brenner on Wednesday posted the statement below to his official Facebook page. 

Governor Mike DeWine also showed his anger on Twitter about the whole incident.