NASHVILLE, TN - A Republican state lawmaker has apologized for circulating an email that spreads a rumor that President Barack Obama is planning to stage a fake assassination attempt to stop the November election.

The email, first reported by HuffingtonPost.com, was forwarded from the legislative office of Kelly Keisling of Byrdstown.

Keisling acknowledged Wednesday that he forwarded the email and said he shouldn't have because it was "inappropriate for distribution."

Keisling said he regrets the error and he pledged to be more cautious about information distributed from his office.

The email went to residents in Keisling's 38th District, which includes Clay, Jackson, Pickett and Scott counties, and part of Anderson County.