Assemblyman apologizes for slur

Marvel, 72, said he didn't intend to insult anyone when he suggested hiring "wetbacks" to do repair work at the state's Lost City Museum in Overton because they know how to work with adobe.

The Feb. 5 comment by the veteran Nevada lawmaker was criticized by numerous Hispanic groups in the state. "Wetback" refers to Latin Americans who enter the U.S. illegally.

"Apparently I was given to somewhat of an indiscretion," said Marvel, R-Battle Mountain. "I want to apologize to anybody I may have offended. I was raised a gentleman and I will die a gentleman and I will never in my life intentionally hurt anyone's feelings."

"Sometimes in this hall we attempt to lighten the mood," he added.

archive