Black State Representative Calls White Senator Racist

A black state representative who has called a white state senator a racist stands behind his remark, even after another lawmaker calls for an apology. State Representative Chuck Gross (R-St. Charles) takes to the House floor emotionally recalling the St. Louis radio interview in which Representative Quincy Troupe (D-St. Louis) criticized Senator Steve Ehlmann (R-St. Charles).Troupe called Ehlmann and all of St. Charles County racist. Gross hopes the heat of the moment triggered the insult. Troupe heard the comments, but didn’t officially respond from the floor. He speaks to reporters outside the House chambers, standing behind his previous remarks. Troupe says Ehlmann and other St. Charles leaders have opposed the extension of light rail from St. Louis, because they don’t want blacks in their neighborhood.