advertisement

Kirk apologizes for calling Lindsey Graham 'bro with no ho'

A spokeswoman says Illinois' U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has apologized after being caught on a hot mic using a word considered disparaging to women.

Kirk called Republican senator and presidential candidate Lindsey Graham a "bro with no ho." The remarks were captured Thursday on a live microphone as a Senate panel conducted a roll call vote. The South Carolina senator is a lifelong bachelor who's joked he could have a "rotating first lady" if elected.

Kirk, a suburbanite, added "That's what we'd say on the South Side," apparently referring to a heavily-minority Chicago neighborhoods.

Kirk spokeswoman Danielle Varallo says it was a joke between friends, adding Kirk's apologized to anyone offended.

The campaign for Kirk's potential Democratic 2016 challenger, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, deemed it "as offensive as it is unfunny."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, speaks to supporters after being re-elected in 2014. Associated Press/November 2014
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.