FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A lawmaker from Kentucky's impoverished Appalachian region has decided to drop a proposal that would have banned welfare recipients from buying candy, soda and other sweets with food stamp cards.

Democratic state Rep. Rick Nelson of Middlesboro faced heated criticism in his home district after he made the proposal earlier this month. Some detractors accused him of trying to take candy from children.

Nelson said Friday he withdrew the proposal because of the uproar it triggered among his constituents in Bell and Harlan counties.

(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)