Democrats Scold — but Don't Censure — Senator Who Told Foe to Kill Herself

A day after telling a political opponent she should commit suicide, State Senator Kevin Parker continues to face criticism from fellow Democrats.

Parker, who represents parts of central Brooklyn, tweeted "Kill Yourself!" to Candice Giove, a spokeswoman for the Senate Republicans, after she identified his state credential on a car illegally parked in a bike lane. Parker immediately deleted the tweet and apologized — but then proceeded to insult Giove further, calling her a "Twitter troll," among other things.

New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray, who's spearheading many of the city's mental programs, says Parker should take the city's "mental health first aid" course.

"I think it would be really helpful if he had a better understanding of how hurtful what he said was," McCray said.

Parker has a history of lashing out verbally and physically. He's been accused of assault several times over his 15 year political career, and in one plea deal he agreed to attend an anger management program. Sen. Luis Sepulveda (D-Bronx), whose mother committed suicide when he was a boy, said Parker expressed remorse to him for both the initial insult and the subsequent ones — and for the potential political implications, and Democrats prepare to take control of the Senate next month.

"He knows this was a big mistake," Sepulveda told WNYC. "He knows this is not the kind of attention the conference needs."

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins rebuked Parker but so far has not responded to calls for a more robust censure.

Parker is slated to become chairman of the State Senate's Energy Committee next month — but after his Twitter eruption, he stepped down as campaign co-chairman for City Councilman Jumaane Williams' bid to be the next Public Advocate.

Parker also said he would donate money to mental health organizations as a form of penance.