Posted Tuesday, November 13, 2012 --- 12:53 p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Republican majority leader of the state Assembly says a fellow GOP lawmaker who lost re-election after recounting advice his father had given him that "some girls rape easy" is always welcome in the Republican caucus.

Rep. Roger Rivard of Rice Lake gave a tearful farewell to his Republican colleagues on Tuesday.

Rivard says the last few weeks since his comment was widely reported have been "pretty rough," but he looks forward to traveling the country with his wife. He says, "It can't get any worse than it is right now."

Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder introduced Rivard by calling him a class act, dear friend and true citizen legislator. He says he was proud to serve with Rivard and welcomed him to visit any time.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.