Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, apologized Thursday for using the words "Negro" during an interview and "colored" during a Senate committee hearing last week.
“Some say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” Honeyford said in a written statement. “I’m here to say that’s not always true. Many have approached me this week to tell me that a 76-year-old man doesn’t always use language that is appropriate in 2015. I sincerely appreciate the people who took the time to tell me that some of the language I have used has been hurtful to them.
“Even my wife has weighed in on this issue. I am deeply sorry for the hurt I have caused; it was certainly not my intent to offend anyone."
Honeyford, who is white, represents the 15th Legislative District, which is eastern Yakima County. That district's population is 55 percent Hispanic.
