IRVING — Gov. Rick Perry spoke publicly for the first time Monday afternoon about the controversy that erupted last week after his campaign confirmed that its top political consultant used the word "retarded" in a derogatory way.
The incident happened just before former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin came to Texas to campaign for Perry at a rally in suburban Houston on Sunday.
But Perry said they never discussed the use of the word "retarded" by Dave Carney, Perry's top political consultant.
"Not a word," Perry said. "She understood that it was handled appropriately, and his response was appropriate."
But the war of words over the "R" word certainly flew in the days leading up to Palin's visit.
The Perry campaign confirmed that Carney uttered the word referring to plans he didn't like during a conference call setting up the first debate with fellow Republicans Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina.
The Hutchison campaign disclosed Carney's remark just after Palin called for the firing of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel for his use of the word "retarded."
Instead of firing Carney, Perry said he talked to him. "It was not a pleasant conversation, either... for him," Perry said.
Palin stopped short of demanding that Carney be fired, and Perry said he is still on the campaign.
"He understood he made a serious error in judgment," the governor said.
The Hutchison campaign declined to comment about the "R" word controversy.
E-mail bwatson@wfaa.com
