A profanity laced email from a St. Paul city councilman is leading to calls for his resignation.

St. Paul businessman, Mike Costello said he got upset last week when he saw City Councilman David Thune protesting at the Republican National Convention.

"I sent him an email saying how disgusted I was and that I thought he was a disgrace to the city and I asked him for his resignation. I said you should resign," said Costello.

Thune responded with an email that said "[expletive] you little [expletive]".

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS obtained a copy of the profanity-filled email which shows it was sent from Thune's official city council email address.

When asked if that was a respectful way to deal with a citizen of St. Paul Thune said, "It is a respectful way to deal with someone of the low class that he is."

"It was vulgar. It was crude and it was sent from his city desk," said Costello.

Thune told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS he stands behind his four-letter words, even though he said he never really meant to sent the email.

"I was shocked. I can't believe he sent it," said Costello.

City officials said there is little that can be done to punish and elected official such as Thune for using city property to verbally attack a citizen.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS asked Mayor Coleman's office what he thinks of the situation. They issued no comment.

Costello said he has filed a formal complaint with the city.