State GOP Candidate Allegedly Used Racial Slur Against AG Hopeful

WHEATON, IL — Illinois Republican leaders are calling for a candidate for the state legislature to withdraw from the race after he allegedly used a racial slur against a Republican Illinois Attorney General candidate and asked her if she was a "lesbo." Burt Minor, who is campaigning to represent Illinois' 42nd District, is accused of saying the racist and homophobic remarks during a conversation with Erika Harold, a GOP frontrunner for attorney general, Politico reports.

Peter Breen, the floor leader for the Illinois Republican House, told Politico that during a conversation with Harold last fall, Minor "used the full n-word repeatedly in front of Ms. Harold and her assistant, asking whether she found its usage offensive." During the conversation, Minor also allegedly asked Harold questions about her sexual orientation.

Breen told Politicio that Minor's alleged conduct was "outrageous."

The Daily Herald endorsed Minor early Tuesday ahead of the news of the incident. Minor serves as chairman of the Winfield Township Republican Committee and has served as an alderman in Warrenville.

Minor did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Patch Thursday.

>>Image credit: AP Images/Sophia Tareen/Associated Press

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