AP
A Florida lawmaker who came under fire this week for a racist tirade and using the “n-word” during a conversation with other legislators has announced his resignation. Sen. Frank Artiles said, in a letter to Senate President Joe Negron, that he was resigning for his family and for the sake of the Senate, which got little done this week thanks to the scandal. “My actions and my presence in government is now a distraction to my colleagues, the legislative process, and the citizens of our great State,” Artiles wrote. “I am responsible and I am accountable and effective immediately, I am resigning from the Florida State Senate.” He added, “It’s clear there are consequences to every action, and in this area, I will need time for personal reflection and growth.” Artiles had apologized on the Senate floor Wednesday, after he called Sen. Audrey Gibson a “bitch” and a “girl” and some Republicans “nig---.” On Friday, Negron said Artiles “made the right decision.”