State Senator Apologizes For Controversial Comments Over Race

DENVER (CBS4)- A Colorado lawmaker has apologized for comments that many people found offensive.

Sen. Vicki Marble, a Republican representing Fort Collins, made the statements at a task force meeting at the state Capitol on Wednesday. Several lawmakers were stunned.

Marble said she was misunderstood and offered an explanation of what she meant.

She was speaking at an economic opportunity and poverty task force meeting when she said, "When you look at life expectancy there are problems in the Black race. Sickle Cell Anemia is something that comes up, diabetes is something that is prevalent in the genetic make-up and you just can't help it."

But she didn't stop there.

"Although I gotta say I have never had better BBQ and better chicken and ate better in my life than when you go down South. I mean, I love it. And everybody loves it."

Rep. Rhonda Fields, a Democrat representing Aurora was also on the task force and at the meeting. She was not amused.

"I will not engage in a dialogue where I am in the company where you are using the stereotype references about African Americans and chicken and food. I will not tolerate that this is not what this committee is about," said Fields.

Marble issued a statement that reads, in part, "My comments were not meant to be disparaging to any community. I am saddened they were taken in that regard."

Rep. Joe Salazar has proposed having a community discussion about what was said. He tweeted about the idea on Thursday.