Missouri Lawmaker Won't Resign After Radio Show Controversy

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — A Democratic lawmaker accused of calling into a racist radio show has said he will not resign. State Rep. Bob Burns called into Bob Romanik's AM talk show in February and allegedly agreed with many of the host's racist remarks, according to audio posted to YouTube.

"They give a damn because I'm making white people think," Romanik said after a tirade of racial slurs.

The recording then jumps to an interview with Burns.

"You're saying the correct things," Burns told Romanik, adding that he had listened to Romanik's show that day. "Thank you for standing up for what you do."

Burns said the recordings have been edited to connect his comments to Romanik's incendiary rhetoric, and that he only called into the show to discuss veterans issues.

“None of my words were offensive or demeaning,” Burns said. “I feel that they were purposefully edited to appear so.”

Burns also apologized, saying he doesn't "condone [Romanik's] rants or negative comments."

Nevertheless, many fellow Democrats have called on their colleague to step down.

"While we acknowledge some of the recordings have been edited, the fact that Rep. Burns repeatedly called into this show is reprehensible given the host's well-known racist views," House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty said. "As a result, House Democratic leadership has asked Rep. Burns to immediately tender his resignation as state representative. We will not tolerate this conduct from any member of the Democratic Caucus."

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill also called for Burns' resignation, citing his "failure to challenge such hateful rhetoric."

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