AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry has condemned inflammatory remarks by Ted Nugent that resurfaced after the rocker campaigned with Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott.
Nugent was quoted as calling President Barack Obama a “subhuman mongrel” in an interview last month. Perry said Thursday that he’s “got a problem calling the president a mongrel.”
Nugent performed at Perry’s inauguration in 2007. Perry said Nugent saying something outrageous shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Abbott is the GOP favorite to succeed Perry in November. He brought Nugent to campaign stops this week but sidestepped questions about divisive comments previously made by Nugent regarding immigrants and women.
Abbott spokesman Matt Hirsch didn’t immediately return messages seeking comment Thursday. Democratic opponent Wendy Davis has denounced Abbott inviting Nugent.
Perry spoke while appearing on CNN’s “Situation Room.”