Sen. Orrin Hatch said he is "ashamed" of a Republican National Committee presentation that called for demonizing Democrats and President Barack Obama to help raise money.
"There is no excuse for that kind of stuff," said Hatch, R-Utah, during an appearance on "Meet the Press" on Sunday. "It shouldn't have happened. I'm ashamed of that."
Hatch's comment was in response to a question about a 72-page Power Point presentation created by the RNC's finance director that included a slide labeled "The Evil Empire," which showed Obama dressed as "The Joker" with the word socialism written underneath. It also depicted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Cruella De Vil and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as Scooby Doo.
The RNC delivered the presentation to potential fundraisers in Florida last month. Someone leaked it to the press last week.
RNC Chairman Michael Steele has denounced the fundraising tactic, telling reporters in Tennessee during the weekend that there is no reason "to play boogeyman."
"Meet the Press" host David Gregory asked Hatch if Steele should be removed as head of the party over the flap.
"I don't think Michael Steele knew about that. If he did, I would be very concerned," Hatch said. "He was one of the first to come out and say that was irresponsible."
Hatch, a key Senate GOP fundraiser, called Steele "a good face for our party," who because of his position will face criticism regardless of what he does.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
