KATHLEEN RONAYNE
Associated Press

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster says a state representative’s comments that she is ugly are a reflection of the disrespect the Republican Party — and her female opponent — have for women.

Republican state Rep. Steve Vaillancourt compared Kuster to her opponent, state Rep. Marilinda Garcia, saying Garcia has a better chance of winning because Kuster is “ugly.” He has not apologized.

Kuster says: “What’s even more offensive, frankly, is the Republican platform.”

Garcia denounced Vaillancourt’s comments, but Kuster said Wednesday that Garcia’s policy positions are more offensive to women. Garcia voted against a state equal pay law, opposed the Violence Against Women Act because legal protections already exist and opposes abortion.

Garcia’s spokesman says she strongly rejects the idea that the remarks reflect her values or Republican values.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.