“Senate Republicans today took an action wholly unfitting of the expectations of the people of this state.
“They engaged in a politically-motivated attack on an eminently qualified woman.
“As disappointing as this display of partisan politics is to me, I am even more deeply and personally offended by Senator Schoesler’s unfounded, scurrilous and outrageous outburst that Secretary Peterson is a racist. This personal insult, uttered in the Senate chambers, is simply inexcusable and not worthy of his position as a leader in the Senate.
“Lynn Peterson has led the most successful effort in years to promote opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses by pushing hard to make sure that women- and minority-owned businesses get a fair chance to compete for transportation projects.
“We can only wonder what the Senate Republicans’ next politically motivated attack will be.”