Hospitality Assoc. Fires CEO Over Email

Nashville, Tn - The political fallout is continuing for a man who, as CEO of the Tennessee Hospitality Association, sent out an e-mail comparing first lady Michelle Obama to a chimpanzee.

On Monday, the association's board voted unanimously to terminate its contract with Walt Baker.

Baker did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Association board president Bill Mish says Baker's e-mail does not reflect the group.

"We all take great offense to it," Mish said of the e-mail.

Baker sent the e-mail from a private account on Thursday to a number of prominent Nashvillians.

By Saturday, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau pulled its contract with his marketing firm, Mercatus Communications.

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