Missouri Lawmaker Under Fire For Racist Radio Show Call-In

ST. LOUIS, MO — Democratic lawmakers are calling on one of their own to resign after they say he called into a local radio show known for racist, homophobic and sexist content.

State Rep. Bob Burns, a St. Louis County Democrat, 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."

It is not clear how much of the recording has been edited and to what extent. Nonetheless, House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty issued a statement over the weekend calling for Burns' resignation, saying the recordings were "disturbing."

“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," Beatty continued. "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 to step down, citing his "public support for — and agreement with — an individual who has delivered a constant toxic stream of racist, sexist attacks on his radio show."

McCaskill said the rhetoric was not only offensive but "stokes fear and division, and gives license to those who would perpetuate further toxic rhetoric and behavior."

Burns, so far, has declined to resign and has not responded to a request for comment.

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