“It is clear to me my recent actions and words that I spoke fell far short of what I expect for myself, and for this I am very sorry. I apologize to my friends and I apologize to all of my fellow senators and lawmakers. To the people of my district and all of Miami-Dade, I am sorry I have let you down and ask for your forgiveness,” Artiles wrote in a resignation letter to Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart.
Artiles earlier admitted to berating Gibson, who is black, at the Governors Club. Gibson said he also used the word “niggers” when referring to Republican senators who backed Negron in a leadership race, although Artiles later said he referred to the president’s backers as “niggas.” Gibson and Sen. Perry Thurston, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat who heard most of Artiles’ remarks at the club Monday night, said Artiles also used a derogatory term to refer to Negron.
“He made the right decision. As he has noted, both on the (Senate) floor and in his letter, all of us are accountable for our actions and comments. I think it is an appropriate resolution,” Negron, told reporters at a hastily convened press conference Friday.
