GOP's Don Young apologizes for racial slur

WASHINGTON — GOP Rep. Don Young apologized Friday for using a racial slur to describe migrant farmworkers after being denounced by top Republicans for "offensive" language as the party tries to boost its standing with Hispanics.

"I apologize for the insensitive term," Young, a House member since 1973, said in a statement. "There was no malice in my heart or intent to offend; it was a poor choice of words."

In an interview this week with an Alaska radio station, Young used the word "wetbacks" and said the term had been commonly used when he was growing up on a ranch in central California. He issued a statement late Thursday saying he had "meant no disrespect," but the reaction throughout the day had been heated from both parties — particularly from his own Republican leadership

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