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ALBANY – Dutchess County Democrats admitted to spreading a false rumor that Republican County Executive Marc Molinaro — a vocal foe of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s mask mandate for businesses — tested positive for COVID-19.
“Rumor has it that Molinaro has Covid. We will keep you posted,” wrote the Dutchess County Democratic Committee’s account on Facebook Wednesday morning.
“The rumors appear to be true. Molinaro has tested positive for Covid,” the Dems added, attaching several photos including one of the GOP executive — who is also running for congress in New York’s 19th district — during a Women’s National Republican Club gala event held on Dec. 9.
“Molinaro’s father died from Covid. He really should be ashamed for his position on masking,” the hoax went on, turning cruel with a reference to his father’s very real death due to the virus.
Molinaro is one of over 13 GOP county officials opposed to Hochul’s new mask-or-vax mandate, declaring the county “doesn’t have the resources or even the desire” to enforce the rule.
The county’s health department previously issued guidance encouraging mask-wearing.
But the Democrats apparently didn’t do their homework, as Molinaro confirmed to The Post he’s COVID-free.
“I have not contracted or tested positive for COVID-19,” he told The Post.
“I am reminded every day that I lost my father to this virus. There is only one message to anyone who contracts this virus and that is to wish them a full and speedy recovery…It’s just saddening they sunk that low,” he added.
His father passed away in April 2020 following a two-week battle with the disease.
Several hours later the post was deleted, with the Democrats admitting the illness rumor was unfounded.
“We received phone calls from several people reporting what they supposedly heard on the radio this morning. We believed them,” they wrote.
“They were wrong and we can only hope they misunderstood what they heard. But we were wrong to post.”
The post concluded with an apology and promise to “proceed with greater caution in the future” and then bizarrely issuing the warning: “we hope that those Republicans…have learned a lesson from this as well.”
When contacted by The Post, Committee Chairwoman Elisa Sumner said “one of the [committee] officers” wrote the original statement – but declined to identify the individual.
“An apology was issued…You’re trying to make a mountain out of a molehill here,” she insisted of the calculated hit piece.
Even State Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs denounced the Dutchess County Dems’ actions.
“Political hits during the pandemic aren’t in the public interest, it divides us when we should step back and respect each other,” he said.
“It’s really more about hoping they get better if they have it and we shouldn’t be jumping the gun to try and politicize something.”
The Dutchess Dems were also ripped in the comment section.
“Your posts today were beneath us. I’m rarely embarrassed by my party affiliation – today was an exception,” wrote Robb Bloom.
Several pointed out that Westchester County County Executive George Latimer – a Democrat – recently tested positive for the coronavirus.
“It is being widely reported that..George Latimer has covid. Maybe that is what they heard, the words county executive, and jumped to conclusions or misunderstood,” wrote Anna Lex.
“I’m glad you took the post down, there is nothing factual about “rumor has it.”
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