( CNN ) -- A California Republican official has apologized for sending an email that depicts President Barack Obama as a young chimpanzee . `` To my fellow Americans and to everyone else who has seen the email I forwarded and was offended by my action , I humbly apologize and ask for your forgiveness of my unwise behavior , '' Marilyn Davenport said in a statement obtained by CNN . Davenport , who is a Tea Party activist and an elected member of the central committee of the Republican Party of Orange County , said she felt the email was a joke , CNN affiliate KTLA reported . The email contains a doctored photo of what appears to be a family portrait of two adult chimpanzees posing with a young chimpanzee with Obama 's face pasted on it . The caption that ran with the photo says `` Now you know why no birth certificate , '' the affiliate reported . Davenport said she would not repeat her error in the apology that included two Bible passages . `` I am an imperfect Christian lady who tries her best to live a Christ-like honoring life , '' the statement said . `` I would never do anything to intentionally harm or berate others regardless of ethnicity . So I ask for your forgiveness , for I am truly sorry . '' Despite criticism , Davenport told the affiliate that she does not need to resign her position because of the e-mail . Scott Baugh , chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County , said he was surprised by the e-mail . `` There 's no question the e-mail is racist . The only question is what was in Marilyn 's heart , what was her intent . But I do n't think there 's anybody on her committee or anybody in the world really that does n't see it as a racist , '' Baugh said on CNN 's `` AC360 . '' Baugh said he feels Davenport should resign . `` The bottom line is being sorry for something and having a sincere apology does n't undo the action , it does n't stop the consequences , '' Baugh said . `` There 's still consequences for what she 's done and what she 's done will continue to bring controversy to my party so I 'm inclined to think at this time that she should still resign from the committee . '' Watch Anderson Cooper 360° weeknights 10pm ET . For the latest from AC360° click here .
The e-mail contains a doctored photo of a young chimpanzee with Obama 's face on it . Comment: