PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – The head of the Republican Party in a Maine county will be permitted to keep his position after apologizing for degrading an openly gay Democratic lawmaker in an email.

The Portland Press Herald reports the executive committee of York County Republicans voted Wednesday to not take disciplinary action against county GOP chairman Jim Booth.

Both Republicans and Democrats called for Booth’s resignation after he sent an email to party activists referring to Saco Rep. Justin Chenette as “Little Justine” on several occasions. The email goes on to say “there is a lot of HATE” for Chenette, who is seeking election to the Maine Senate.

Chenette says he appreciated Booth’s apology but is disappointed by the committee’s decision to retain him.