Burt Minora Republican candidate for the Illinois General Assembly ( 42nd District )received criticism from his own party amid claims that he asked a GOP-backed, African-American candidate for state attorney general if she was a "lesbo" and used a racial slur while talking with her, Politico reported.
Last fall, Minor talked with Erika Harold ( a former Miss America ) and "asked Ms. Harold personal questions about her marital status, and even her sexual orientation, going so far as to inquire whether she was a 'lesbo,'" Republican Illinois House leader Peter Breen wrote in a letter to other Republicans. "The chairman also used the full 'n-word' repeatedly in front of Ms. Harold and her assistant, asking whether she found its usage offensive."
Harold later confirmed this version of events.
Minor, the Winfield Township Republican chairman, has said his conversation with Harold has not been reported correctly, the Chciago Sun-Times noted. Minor wrote, in part, "I believe there is no place for racism or intolerance in the Republican Party and the State of Illinois." However, he did not deny asking Harold about her sexual orientation or using the n-word in front of her.
Minor remains on the ballot, facing fellow Republicans Amy L. Grant and Ryan Edward Byrne in the March 20 primary. Kathleen V. Carrier is the only Democrat vying for the office.
The Politico item is at www.politico.com/story/2018/02/22/illinois-republican-attorney-general-candidate-racial-slur-421732. The Sun-Times article is at chicago.suntimes.com/news/ag-hopeful-harold-to-house-candidate-drop-out-for-using-n-word-lesbo-slurs/ .