Texas State Rep. Taylor Sorry for Slur Against Jews

State Rep. Larry Taylor, at a legislative oversight hearing Thursday concerning the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, used the slur “Jew them down” when making the point that it needs to pay claims on time.

"Don't nitpick, don't try to Jew them down," he said, according to the Quorum Report. Taylor, a Republican from Friendswood who is running for a state Senate seat, quickly added, "That's probably a bad term."

In a written statement following the hearing, Taylor said, "At a legislative oversight committee hearing today, I inadvertently used a phrase that many people find offensive. I corrected ...

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Comments (27)

November 3, 2011 @ 5:01 p.m.

Kace Layton via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Mercy, what an idiot.
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November 3, 2011 @ 5:01 p.m.

Bill Eaves via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Open mouth insert foot
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November 3, 2011 @ 5:01 p.m.

Jim Hsu via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Those poorly chosen words didn't just come out randomly. He can apologize, but anyone whose brain even possesses that phrase at the ready for use has been a bigot (and will probably always be one if every slip is downplayed, as is here).
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November 3, 2011 @ 5:09 p.m.

Lee Dunkelberg via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Another phony, baloney apology about a remark that he knows brightened the day of his base.
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November 3, 2011 @ 5:16 p.m.

Stanley Moore via Texas Tribune on Facebook

I guess he couldn't Gentile them up?
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November 3, 2011 @ 5:17 p.m.

Richard Tew via Texas Tribune on Facebook

gosh, really tribune? this is news? this is how you are fostering a more 'intelligent ' news environment???
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November 3, 2011 @ 5:20 p.m.

Steve Olafson via Texas Tribune on Facebook

You've brought shame to Galveston County, Lar. Didn't Baylor learn you any better, son?
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November 3, 2011 @ 5:27 p.m.

Scott Chase via Texas Tribune on Facebook

And the Rs wonder why folks think they're prejudiced.
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November 3, 2011 @ 6:09 p.m.

Samdavis

Taylor was originally elected due to a massive campaign fund infusion by Tom DeLay. He along with the now deceased Glenda Dawson took the illegal money and never looked back. Taylor has been a shill for the insurance industry and has much to do with the fact we get less coverage but pay higher rates than most of the nation. I think the word idiot is an understatement. Oy vey.
November 3, 2011 @ 6:09 p.m.

Cristi Parker via Texas Tribune on Facebook

His party affiliation should be in the headline.
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November 3, 2011 @ 6:19 p.m.

Hainesville, Texas via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Christi - I bet we can correctly guess his party affiliation. ;-)
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November 3, 2011 @ 7:03 p.m.

Cliff McSparran via Texas Tribune on Facebook

I'm sure all the Jews in Friendswood are offended....LOL (Get it? Nuthin' but "good Christians" like Mr Taylor out there) Seriously, people who accidentally utter offensive words probably think and say them all day long in private.
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November 4, 2011 @ 3:44 a.m.

Bill Conley via Texas Tribune on Facebook

"...for any harm they may have caused [to my career]."
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November 4, 2011 @ 7:27 a.m.

Bill Carson

And this is news because...??
November 4, 2011 @ 7:42 a.m.

Donald Dickson via Texas Tribune on Facebook

It's just breathtaking to me that an elected official would say that in polite company, let alone in a public hearing of a legislative body.
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November 4, 2011 @ 8:45 a.m.

Hannah Katz

Some people are on the constant lookout for an excuse to be outraged. Mr. Taylor made a bad choice of words, corrected himself and apologized. Will throwing mud at him create jobs? I think not. I am willing to forgive and forget. Let's move on to some important issues for a change.
November 4, 2011 @ 10:33 a.m.

Anya Khan

I saw the quote"... that many people find offensive" Rep Taylor should find this offensive.
November 4, 2011 @ 10:46 a.m.

Dick Frakes via Texas Tribune on Facebook

This saying became popular at least 100 years ago. Jews are smart business people whether buying or selling. The term "Jew them down"
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November 4, 2011 @ 10:53 a.m.

Dick Frakes via Texas Tribune on Facebook

This was not a meaning that it was a "slur" . It meant Jews were savvy business people. It was actually a compliment. I for one always try to Jew people down on price when buying. This is political correctness run amuck. Chill out folks - your in America - Hopefully legally. Jews always came here legally.
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November 4, 2011 @ 10:58 a.m.

Monica Pinon

Here's what I've never understood: Texas doesn't even have that many Jews! It's unclear to me why anyone here would ever use that term. Wanna make some jokes about people from Poland? (Same point.)
November 4, 2011 @ 11:34 a.m.

Anya Khan

Yes you Dick, it is a slur.
November 4, 2011 @ 12:36 p.m.

Tom Conroy via Texas Tribune on Facebook

"It meant Jews were savvy business people." It's still a stereotype, idiot!
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November 4, 2011 @ 6:12 p.m.

Judith Grayson via Texas Tribune on Facebook

taylor is not just ignorant he is a bigot and undereducated, and just plain simpleminded. have a few more drinks, larry. we'll be interested to hear what comes out of that filthy mouth of yours.
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November 5, 2011 @ 1:58 p.m.

Arie Rosenrauch via Texas Tribune on Facebook

@Dick..Admit it ..you're an Antisemite as is the Rep. These are not mere words but commentary on your beliefs. This sounds more like "Did they hear me say that out loud? SHIIITE"
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November 5, 2011 @ 2 p.m.

Arie Rosenrauch via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Just proof there is no difference between the elephants and jackasses. The Democrats are the parents of the KKK, Dixiecrats and the ONLY legal racist group in government - the CBC. The Republicans have a whole bevy of politicians that make pretend they have any care for Jews but go out of their way to couch their words and attacks in politically correct terminology. Ron Paul is the perfect example. To all Jews, the best response is to make sure your weapons are cleaned locked and loaded. You are again at the center of hate
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November 5, 2011 @ 5:34 p.m.

Crutherton Fornsby via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Error Onan, wise the hell up already, Samael sacrifice worshiper.
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November 5, 2011 @ 5:37 p.m.

Crutherton Fornsby via Texas Tribune on Facebook

We clear on that point?
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