JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A Democrat serving in the Missouri House is being asked to resign over frequent call-ins to radio show known for the use of derogatory, demeaning, and racists words and phrases.
In the past three months, Rep. Bob Burns called into Bob Romanik’s controversial weekday morning talk show multiple times. Recordings of the call-ins are posted to a YouTube channel called “Romanik Watch” and recently started making the rounds.
“We don’t agree on everything but we are friends and I’d go to the bat with you, because you preach truth, justice, and, again, the American Way,” Burns tells Romanik on April 3, 2018.
“There is a place in heaven for a guy like you.”
Romanik tends to introduce Burns to his listeners as a “good friend” which is reiterated by Burns during one call-in saying “we were friends from the first time we met.”
“You’re saying the right things. I just appreciate the fact that you stand up and tell it like it is,” Burns told Romanik during one call in.
Romanik makes frequent use of derogatory, demeaning, and racist words and terms.
“As a proud white man, who is in the majority, I am not going to take a back seat to these rotten n—- bastards,” Romanik said on February 9, 2018. He then moved to talking about the military. Burns called in to thank Romanik for his support of the military.
In the recordings, Burns does not use any derogatory words or phrases and tends to focus on veterans and the military.
“He’s not here to agree with everything I say but he does agree this is America and we have every right to say it,” Romanik says during one call in.
“I do not condone the rants or negative comments of the radio commentator and our opinions are greatly different on many topics,” Burns said during a press conference on Monday. “I am deeply sorry my words or my actions have offended many of my colleagues, friends, and constituents.”
Those calling for Burns’ resignation noted some of the recordings have been edited. The edits mostly include adding portions of Romanik show before or after Burns calling in being added to the recording.
Burns’ said they were “spliced together” to make his works appear “demeaning” and to “purposely mislead the public.”
“…the fact that Rep. Burns repeatedly called into this show is reprehensible given the host’s well-known racist views. As a result, House Democratic leadership has asked Rep. Burns to immediately tender his resignation as state representative. We will not tolerate this conduct from any member of the Democratic Caucus,” House Minority Leader McCann Beatty said.
“The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus was shocked to learn of Representative Bob Burns’ participation and apparent support of the racist sentiments expressed on the Romanik radio show,” said Rep. Alan Green, Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Chair.
Even Burns’ former employer, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, weighed in the recordings.
“It’s come to my attention that in multiple call-in interviews with KQQZ-AM Radio, Representative Burns expressed public support for – and agreement with – an individual who has delivered a constant toxic stream of racist, sexist attacks on his radio show.
“Rhetoric like this is not only offensive – it stokes fear and division, and gives license to those who would perpetuate further toxic rhetoric and behavior. Rep. Burns’ public statements of support for this individual do not reflect the values of the state of Missouri. And his failure to challenge such hateful rhetoric is a disservice to the Missourians he represents.
“I urge him to resign his seat in the Missouri General Assembly immediately.”
Burns stated he has no intention of resigning.
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
