AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ A spokesman for former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says use of the word “retarded” by a consultant to Texas Gov. Rick Perry was disrespectful.
Perry consultant Dave Carney reportedly used the word several times during a conference call about the first Republican gubernatorial debate. The campaign manager for rival Kay Bailey Hutchison spread the word about the remark.
Palin has demanded that President Barack Obama’s chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, be fired for using the word. Palin aide Meg Stapleton didn’t say Carney should lose his job, but Stapleton called the language “disrespectful.”
Palin, who has a son with Down syndrome, is campaigning with Perry on Sunday. She says the word “retarded” is a slur.
Perry campaign spokesman Mark Miner said Thursday Carney’s words were “an unfortunate choice of words and the governor is extremely disappointed.”