Fla. Lawmaker Faces Racial-Slur Inquiry

But, in May, Arza stopped proceedings on the House floor to offer a conditional apology and a denial.

"I have never made a single negative or disparaging comment -- public comment -- about Dr. Rudy Crew," he said. "And if I have ever made a statement to anyone of you that you believe would be offensive to Dr. Crew or even racially insensitive, then I apologize."

House members gave him a standing ovation.

But the episode did not end.

Earlier this month, Miami Beach lawmaker Gustavo A. Barreiro (R) filed a written complaint asserting that Arza had repeatedly used the racial epithets in reference to Crew.

The complaint apparently enraged Arza.

Last Saturday night, Barreiro received a profanity-laced tirade on his cellphone. In it, Barreiro said, Arza referred to him using a racial slur, though Barreiro is not of African descent.

Other messages followed from another caller who was with Arza and threatened physical harm, Barreiro said. Barreiro said he is concerned for his family. Miami police now have a copy of the messages.

Barreiro said he does not know why Arza used the racial language again on a recorder, especially since he must have known he was under investigation.

"It sounded like arrogance," Barreiro said. "It was as if he were saying, 'I can say this again and nothing will happen to me.' . . . He's a bully, and somebody had to stand up to him."