Utica Council Candidate Drops Out After Falsely Claiming He Was a Marine

A candidate for Utica Common Council is pulling out of the race after admitting that he falsely claimed to be a US Marine veteran. 

Allen Thayer Sr., a Republican, was running for Utica's second district seat - challenging incumbent David Testa. In a news release announcing his candidacy, Thayer claimed to have served in the Marine Corps.

It is unclear at this point if he was 'called-out' on his faux military service or if he decided to come clean on his own.

The Utica Observer Dispatch reports that Thayer's letter withdrawing his candidacy read, in part:

“I have embarrassed myself, my family and the City of Utica Republican Party,” Thayer wrote, “and finally I apologize to all veterans that have served our great country.”

City of Utica Republican Party Chairman Joseph Hobika Jr. joined the Keeler in the Morning Show on WIBX Thursday to discuss the story. Hobika said Thayer was unanimously endorsed by the party and during the screening process never made mention of any military service.