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St. Paul Councilman Apologizes For Aide's Email

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A St. Paul city councilman is apologizing for a leaked, derogatory email sent by an assistant that referred to a local businessman as "that gay guy."

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the email was sent by Barb Benson, the longtime executive assistant to St. Paul City Council member Dave Thune.

She was referring to Bill Hosko, who has run against Thune twice and plans to do so again.

Hosko, who is gay, says he's concerned the email reflects an attitude of prejudice in Thune's office. He's calling for Benson's resignation.

Thune says he has called Hosko to apologize. He wouldn't comment on the email beyond saying that it doesn't reflect his feelings.

He says the city's human resources department is looking into the matter.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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