Mark Kirk

Sen. Kirk Refers to Unmarried Lindsey Graham as “Bro With No Ho”

Kirk also referred to Graham's comment about having a "rotating first lady" if he were elected president

Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk was caught on a live microphone referring to an unmarried presidential candidate by more than just "bachelor." 

During a Senate Appropriations Committee meeting Thursday, Kirk called Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina a "bro with no ho." "That's what we'd say on the South Side," Kirk added.

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.

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.

Duckworth's campaign manager, Kaitlin Fahey, issued a statement following the incident as well. 

"Illinois women already know Mark Kirk isn’t on their side by his votes against equal pay and affordable child care for working families," Fahey said. "Now we also know he’s humor challenged. Senator Kirk’s ‘joke’ is as offensive as it is unfunny, and he should apologize, personally and immediately.”

Contact Us