Dem candidate for Minn. House ends campaign following ISIS tweet

A Democratic candidate for Minnesota state representative is ending his campaign because of backlash to a post he made on social media about the Islamic State.

Dan Kimmel, a software developer and self-described "business process expert" from Burnsville, Minn., posted a tweet Saturday night that said "ISIS isn't necessarily evil. It is made up of people doing what they think is best for their community. Violence is not the answer, though."

His tweet came a day after attacks in Paris left 128 dead and at least 350 injured. The Islamic State claimed responsibility.

Kimmel has since deleted the statement and followed up with another tweet that said "I deplore the evil acts of ISIS. I do not defend their acts."

In a statement titled "Evil" released Sunday, Kimmel explained that the tweet was in response to a comment made during the Democratic debate Saturday evening and not in response to the attacks in Paris.

"It was poorly worded and did not convey my intent," Kimmel said. "I do think the attacks in Paris yesterday, along with other ISIS terrorist actions, are cowardly and despicable.

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