U.S. Representative David Trone of Maryland apologized for using racial slurs during the hearing. They say it was unintentional

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – A maryland The congressman running for Senate has apologized for inadvertently using a racial slur during a budget hearing.

Representative David Trone, a Democrat, said he had confused the term with another term when talking about tax rates. The congressman, who is the founder of the national Total Wine & More chain, made the comment by saying that corporate tax rates have no impact on the way he runs his business.

Tron later issued a written statement apologizing.

“While attempting to use the word ‘bugaboo’ at the hearing, I used a phrase that is offensive,” he said, adding, “That word has a long dark horrible history.” It should never be used, anywhere, in any conversation. I recognize that as a white person I have privilege. And as an elected official, I have responsibility for the words I use — especially in the heat of the moment. No matter what I wanted to say, I should not have used that language.”

Truone is running for the Democratic nomination in the Senate race to replace retiring Senator Ben Cardin. He is running against Angela Alsobrooks, who is running to become the state’s first Black U.S. senator. She is the chief executive of Prince George’s County, in the suburbs of the nation’s capital.

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