Republican gubernatorial hopeful Meg Whitman is severing ties with an elected official who described himself as a "proud racist."
The Whitman campaign issued a statement Saturday disavowing Santa Clarita Councilman Bob Kellar. The statement comes one day after state Democrats called on the former eBay chief executive to distance herself from Kellar.
During a recent tea party-style rally in Southern California, Kellar blamed illegal immigrants for harming the economy. His videotaped remarks were posted on YouTube and caused an uproar.
Whitman's campaign spokeswoman Sarah Pompei says Kellar's comments are unacceptable. She says Kellar has voluntarily ended his involvement with the campaign.
Kellar has said he has no regrets over the remark.