Rep. Richard Holtorf apologized but didn t directly refer to his remarks. Author: Associated Press Updated: 4:47 PM MDT May 6, 2021
DENVER A Republican lawmaker in Colorado was reprimanded Thursday after calling a colleague “Buckwheat” during debate on legislation a racist term that provoked outcry from Democrats at a time when America is confronting its history of discrimination.
It wasn t clear who state Rep. Richard Holtorf was directing the remarks to Wednesday during debate on a stimulus measure. Holtorf, who is white, quickly said he was using the word as a “term of endearment,” furthering angering Democrats, before he apologized.
“I’m getting there. Don’t worry, Buckwheat. I’m getting there,” Holtorf told someone in the chamber. That’s an endearing term, by the way.”
Leslie Herod spoke out about confronting GOP State Rep.
Richard Holtorf moments after he called a colleague “Buckwheat” on the House floor a comment that Rep. Herod says was directed at her and Rep.
David Ortiz.
In an incident that went viral since then, Wednesday’s Colorado House session was interrupted when Holtorf punctuated some of his remarks with a racist aside, telling a colleague “I’m getting there. Don’t worry, Buckwheat. I’m getting there.”
As objections could be heard, Holtorf added “That’s an endearing term, by the way.”
The presiding officer gaveled a recess as Holtorf argued with Rep. Tom Sullivan, and with the audio muted, Rep. Herod could be seen confronting Holtorf at the dais.
Enhanced background check bill to close Charleston loophole faces its first committee test
First of three major gun bills face legislative test.
and last updated 2021-05-05 19:54:22-04
DENVER â Less than one week after Colorado lawmakers unveiled a package of gun bills in response to the Boulder King Soopers shooting, the first bill faced its first big committee test Wednesday.
House Bill 1298 changes background checks in three ways. First, it closes the so-called Charleston loophole that exists under federal law, which allows for a licensed gun dealer to transfer a firearm to a buyer if they have not received their background check back within three days.
A session in the Colorado House of Representatives turned south when one of the state s lawmakers referred to one of his colleagues with what many consider a racially insensitive term.
The incident occurred yesterday, Wednesday, May 5th, as Republican Representative Richard Holtorf was addressing the house about a piece of legislation when another representative chimed in, seemingly from the back of the room.
The piece of legislature was in regard to military rules of engagement, though it is unclear exactly what the bill entails.
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I m getting there. Don t worry, Buckwheat. I m getting there.
This remark resulted in the house speaker slamming her gavel as the commotion in the house erupted. Holtorf then tried to ease the situation by saying that the term he used to confront his dissenter was endearing.