U.S. Rep. David Trone, who is running for Senate, apologized for what he said was the inadvertent use of a racial slur during a budget hearing.
Trone, D-Md., said he confused the word he used with another one as he spoke about tax rates. The congressman, who is the founder of the national Total Wine & More chain, made the comment while saying corporate tax rates didn't influence how he conducted business.
Trone later issued a written statement to apologize.
“While attempting to use the word ‘bugaboo’ in a hearing, I used a phrase that is offensive," he said. "That word has a long dark terrible history. It should never be used any time, anywhere, in any conversation. I recognize that as a white man, I have privilege. And as an elected official, I have a responsibility for the words I use — especially in the heat of the moment. Regardless of what I meant to say, I shouldn’t have used that language.”
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.
Trone is running for the Democratic nomination in a Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Ben Cardin. He is running against Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who is running to become the state's first Black U.S. senator.
News4 sends breaking news stories by email. Go here to sign up to get breaking news alerts in your inbox.
