Colo. gov. accidentally calls lt. gov. 'sex star'

[March 02, 2012]  DENVER (AP) -- Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper's flattering comments about Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia turned into a bit of a flub.

The governor mistakenly referred to Garcia as a "rising sex star" Wednesday. He made the remark while introducing him at a childhood literacy event attended by about 40 children at a Denver elementary school.

Hickenlooper routinely introduces Garcia as a "rising star" and a "rock star" at public events. The Democrat immediately caught his slip, which was recorded by radio station KOA. The Denver Post (http://goo.gl/NMxxA) reported the comments Thursday.

According to the tape, Hickenlooper says, "Now I get to introduce that rising sex star -- symbol. I mean, symbol -- not star."

After some awkward laughter, he deadpanned that it might go down as one of his most difficult news conferences.

[Associated Press]

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