Gov. Granholm speaks out against Kwame throwing down the N bomb

Granholm speaks out against Kilpatrick's use of racial epithet By CHRIS CHRISTOFF • FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU • March 13, 2008 Add Gov. Jennifer Granholm to the chorus who have expressed dismay at Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s use of the N-word during his State of the City speech Tuesday. Granholm's spokesperson, Liz Boyd, noted that Granholm attended – along with Kilpatrick – the ceremonial burial of the racist epithet last summer in Detroit ceremonies. “Gov. Granholm condemns the use of the n-word and believes it has no place in public or private discourse. The governor was shocked that it was used, because it should never be used.” Kilpatrick used the word toward the end of his Tuesday speech in describing what he said were racial slurs and threats he and his family have received since the text-message scandal unfolded. His use of the N-word has been criticized by a Detroit pastor and others. The mayor, through his spokespeople, have defended his decision, saying Kilpatrick was simply describing in plain terms what his family has endured in the past month.