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Richard Piatt reporting
A comment that shocked the Utah Senate as potentially racist continues to make waves on Capitol Hill even after that Senator apologized.
West Jordan Sen. Chris Buttars made the comment during yesterday afternoon's floor debate on an education funding bill. Other senators found it offensive; Buttars apologized and was reprimanded. Today, Buttars left Capitol Hill early.
Buttars' colleagues in the Senate say his comment yesterday violated decorum in the chamber. For them to admit that is a pretty big deal, and today everyone was clearly eager to move on if possible.
It was during the debate of a bill which Buttars opposed. He compared the bill to a "black baby," saying, "This baby is black. It's a dark, ugly thing."
Sen. Ross Romero was offended, saying he thought it needed to be addressed and needed to be addressed promptly.
In the normally stuffy Senate chamber, the comment caused a slow-burning commotion. It was enough for Buttars to request to make an apology a few minutes later. "I made a comment that I think a lot of people could take as racist. I certainly did not mean that in any way, but it was wrong and certainly could easily have been taken that way," Buttars said. "I apologize to anyone who took offense. I ask for your forgiveness."
Today, Buttars left Capitol Hill early. Fellow senators say he looked "shaken," sincerely regretting yesterday's comment. But they, too, were still shocked.
According to Senate President John Valentine, Buttars will not face further official action. But his constituents are probably weighing in, too.
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