Sen. Kirk apologizes for 'bro with no ho' remark

CHICAGO (WLS) -- U.S. Senator Mark Kirk is apologizing Monday night for a remark he made last week, a comment considered offensive by many women and African-Americans.

The apology came after a possible Sen. Kirk opponent, U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, put pressure on the senator.

In a speech to the Democratic women's group Emily's List, Duckworth put the heat on incumbent Kirk.

"I think every woman in Illinois needs to hear an apology from Senator Kirk, personally, something that so far he's refused to do," Duckworth said.

Duckworth referred to Republican Kirk's whispered comment into an open microphone last week when he poked fun at his bachelor Senate colleague South Carolina's Lindsey Graham.

"He's a bro with no 'ho," Kirk was heard saying. He was recorded adding, "This is what we say on the South Side."

Duckworth called that a racial stereotype, offensive to African-Americans.

"Just come out and apologize," Duckworth said. "I just don't think it's an appropriate way for a U.S. Senator to speak."

Last week, an aide wrote that Kirk had, "immediately apologized to anyone offended by his remark."

Duckworth, who hopes to be the 2016 Democratic nominee to run against Kirk, said the apology needed to go a lot farther.

"What about to all the women he referred to as ho's, which I assume refers to all women," she said.

Then three hours later, the still-unseen Kirk issued the following one sentence statement: "I apologize to the people of Illinois for my inappropriate remarks last week."

"I really think that this will be remembered," said Congresswoman Jan Shakowsky.

Schakowsky, a Democrat, said Kirk may have caused himself irreparable damage among women voters.

"We want to elect someone of any gender who is definitely going to be respectful and supportive of women," she said.

Sen. Kirk's campaign hopes the controversy fades in the 16 months between now and the 2016 general election. But rest assured Democrats will do whatever they can to make voters remember what Kirk said last week.