WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. Roscoe Bartlett is apologizing for invoking the Holocaust during a discussion about federally subsidized student loans.

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The Washington Post reports that the western Maryland Republican apologized Thursday for using what he called "an extreme example" to make a political point.

Bartlett was asked during a town hall meeting Wednesday in Cumberland if he favored government-issued student loans. Bartlett replied that such loans are unconstitutional.

He said he supports education but that ignoring the Constitution to do something good can be "a very slippery slope."

He cited the Nazi attempt to exterminate the Jews during World War II as an example of something bad. The 20-year incumbent faces Democrat John Delaney in the November general election.

Delaney calls Bartlett's remarks "terribly insensitive and shockingly inappropriate."