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Jeb Bush says a state representative who has repeatedly used the “n-word” should step down. Hialeah Republican Ralph Arza left a profanity and racial-epithet-laced voice mail for another lawmaker over the weekend. He was accused of using similar language during the legislative session last spring to describe Miami’s school superintendent. Democrats and Republican leaders in the House have urged Arza to step down, and now Jeb Bush is adding his name to the growing chorus.

“Yes, I think he should,” Bush said. “I think he should resign because he’s going to be expelled, for starters. He might as well do it gracefully. It’s heartbreaking. I know another Ralph Arza. The one who’s passionate about education reform and fun-loving. I’ve not seen the dark side of Ralph Arza. And I just don’t sees how he gets beyond where he is right now without resigning and dealing with these issues in a less public setting.”

If Arza steps down before the election, a Republican committee will be able to appoint a replacement to run in the election. Arza’s only opponent is a write-in candidate.