A state representative, in the heat of House floor debate, used a controversial term, and later apologized.

The remark by Representative Bryan Stevenson (R-Webb City) came during debate on a resolution opposing the Freedom of Choice Act likely to come up in Congress this year.

"What we are dealing with today is the greatest power grab by the federal government since the War of Northern Aggression," Stevenson stated at the beginning of his remarks

That tag, associated with Southern sympathizers in reference to the Civil War, caused a small stir in the House Chamber. It led Don Calloway, a black representative from St. Louis, to request a retraction. Stevenson complied, apologizing for any offense that was caused by his use of the term.

Stevenson stated from the House floor that another black representative, Martin Rucker of St. Joseph, approached him after he made the remark and brought to his attention how offensive the phrase "War of Northern Aggression" was to many, especially the minority members of the House.

Download/listen Brent Martin reports (:60 MP3)
Rep. Bryan Stevenson (R-Webb City) statement from House floor (5 min MP3)
Rep. Don Calloway (D-St. Louis) asks for apology (:60 MP3)
Rep. Bryan Stevenson (R-Webb City) apoligizes from House floor (2 min MP3)