Liberal MP Tom Wappel has apologized for snubbing a constituent's appeal for help because the man had voted for the Alliance party.

"I should not have sent (the rejection letter)" Wappel said in a statement. "With the benefit of hindsight, I accept the criticism levelled against me that the letter showed lack of judgment."

Wappel sent the letter to Jim Baxter, a legally blind war veteran, who was asking for help getting his benefits.

Jim Baxter
Jim Baxter

It said: "How is it that you are writing me for help if you did not think enough of my abilities to justify voting for me?"

Baxter's 75-year-old wife Mary said they were stunned by the response. "It was a real shocker, it really was," she said. "You just feel like someone has punched you in the stomach."

Tom Wappel
Tom Wappel

Along with Thursday's apology, Wappel said he would "try to resolve his request successfully."

But before this latest statement, Baxter said he was planning to look elsewhere for assistance.

He said even after Wappel appeared to change his tune Wednesday, following a storm of criticism, the offer was too little too late.

Condemned by opposition parties

Wappel's letter was denounced by all sides Wednesday.

Tory Leader Joe Clark said Wappel's letter is "an atrocious demonstration of bad judgment by a member of Parliament."

Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray distanced the party from Wappel, saying he was acting on his own, and that MPs have a duty to respond to all their constituents no matter whom they voted for.

The Royal Canadian Legion called the MP's letter to Baxter insensitive and undemocratic.

There are reports his office has been deluged by angry phone calls.

On Wednesday Wappel appeared defiant in spite of the criticism and a discussion with the Prime Minister.

"I asked Mr. Baxter to contact me and he chose to contact the media instead," he said.

Wappel, who represents the riding of Scarborough Southwest, said he stood by the letter and refused to explain how he knew how the Baxters voted, saying it was "his business."

The MP then did a turnabout in Thursday's statement, saying one of his supporters who made calls to voters in the last election had made note of whom Baxter was planning to support.