WICHITA, Kansas, Aug. 27th, 2008 - An inappropriate email is causing a stir in the Slattery-Roberts Senate race. The message from Democrat Jim Slattery's office contains a vulgar word when describing his opponent, Incumbent Senator Pat Roberts.

Jim Slattery is in hot water this week, and it all stems from an email sent to thousands of his supporters. The message solicits information for Slattery's campaign. But the mistake is in the fine print. Apparently "John from Dodge City" feels Senator Pat Roberts is a word we can't say on internet. Turns out that quote isn't even real.

"A staff member had used the inappropriate language as a place holder in a draft email," Abbie Hodgson, Slattery's Communications Director, said. "There was then some kind of technical glitch when the email was sent and the earlier draft was sent instead of the final draft."

Within hours, Slattery's office sent out an apology. In it, Deputy Communications Director Ian Staples takes responsibility for the error. He has since been suspended indefinitely, without pay.

"I mean this is an honest mistake, from a very young staffer," Hodgson said. "We are looking to move beyond it and talk about the issues important to Kansas."

Hodgson says Slattery offered to apologize to Roberts in person, but Roberts said that wasn't necessary.

KSN talked with Senator Pat Robert’s staff spokesperson, she declined to comment on the email. Perhaps the candidates will discuss the mistake next week at the Kansas State Fair, when they meet for the first of three debates before the November election.