Sen. Mark Kirk has apologized for what he said to a fellow senator that was captured by an open microphone on the U.S. Senate floor and offended many.
Last week, Kirk, who is seeking re-election in 2016, called fellow Republican senator and presidential candidate Lindsey Graham a "bro with no ho." Kirk reportedly followed up with: "that's what we'd say on the South Side."
In the statement released Monday, Kirk said he apologizes to the people of Illinois "for my inappropriate remarks last week."
Gov. Bruce Rauner last week also used the word "inappropriate" when reacting to Kirk's comment.
Graham, 59, announced his presidential bid on June 1. His bachelorhood has stirred up questions about the role of first lady if he were elected president, to which Graham responded he might have a "rotating first lady," adding that the position might be filled by his sister or his friends.
Kirk also mentioned the "rotating first lady" remark on the live mic and said he had "been joking with Lindsey."
"Senator Kirk was joking with his colleague and immediately apologized to anyone offended by his remark," Kirk's press secretary told NBC Chicago following the incident.
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Kirk, who was once married but has since been divorced, has no "first lady" himself. He is also running a re-election campaign of his own. The incumbent senator faces Democratic challengers Tammy Duckworth and Andrea Zopp in the 2016 race. Campaigns for both women issued deriding Kirk.
