GOP Senate Candidate Defends Use of ‘Wetbacks’ Slur as ‘Normal as Breathing Air’
A U.S. Senate candidate is facing fierce criticism after saying ranchers should be free to shoot “wetbacks” on sight, using a derogatory term that the candidate describes as “normal” in his home state.
Texas Republican Chris Mapp, who is challenging Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in the upcoming GOP primary, made the remarks during an interview with the Dallas Morning News’ editorial board. The board noted Mapp’s remarks in its February 16 endorsement of Cornyn.
“South Texas businessman Chris Mapp, 53, told this editorial board that ranchers should be allowed to shoot on sight anyone illegally crossing the border on to their land, referred to such people as ‘wetbacks,’ and called the president a ‘socialist son of a bitch,’ the editorial reads.
Mapp later defended his remarks to the San Antonio Express-News, claiming use of the racial epithet is as “normal as breathing air in South Texas.”
More: GOP Senate Candidate Defends Use of ‘Wetbacks’ Slur as ‘Normal as Breathing Air’
