Local GOP criticism of Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) over an addiction-related incident has drawn a sharp rebuke from some Republicans in Congress, the Boston Herald reported June 8.

The chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party called for Kennedy to resign after the Congressman admitted to impaired driving and said he was seeking addiction treatment. Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), Kennedy's co-chair on the House addiction caucus and in personal recovery for 25 years, called the state party's statements "insensitive rhetoric" and "a slap in the face to all in recovery."

Kennedy also got expressions of support from Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Minnesota Gov. Tommy Thompson, Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Fla.), and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas).

"I think the (Rhode Island GOP) chairman's statement shows a total lack of understanding of the disease of addiction," said Ramstad, who said Kennedy deserved praise for dealing honestly and openly with his addiction. "There's a lot of partisanship around here but friendship really does cross party lines," added Smith. "And in times of need, you need friends."