State Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton, a Democrat from Albuquerque, is rightfully ashamed of herself for referring to Gov. Susana Martinez as "the Mexican on the fourth floor." That kind of language has no business in public discourse.

Stapleton has apologized to the governor, the people of her district and to the state. While not hiding behind excuses, Stapleton did say that she has felt under attack by Republicans for the past few months, attacks she believes started in the Governor's Office. At issue is whether Stapleton, an Albuquerque Public Schools administrator, should have been paid for the time she spends in Santa Fe during legislative sessions and meetings and away from her job. Television reports had revealed that Stapleton received pay despite an APS policy that administrative employees take unpaid leave (a policy since changed). On Wednesday, when Stapleton saw a Republican representative at the Roundhouse — one quoted in the reports referring to possible corruption at APS — she "lost it."

Even after the public "I'm sorry," several layers to this incident still linger.

• Is an apology, even a heartfelt one, enough? Stapleton serves as House democratic whip. She is refusing to resign her party post, but considering her emotional state, perhaps it's best she take a break during what promises to be a tough, 30-day session.
• Should public employees receive pay while serving in the Legislature? It seems to us that workers who aren't at work should not be paid. After all, they aren't doing their jobs. They can take vacation or unpaid leave, but if they are absent from work, they should forfeit their salaries. We recognize the sacrifice that would cause, but it seems clear that employees should not be paid if they are not at work. This situation should not be handled at the school district or other public agency level, but should be fixed by changing state law.
• If Stapleton received pay when the policy stated that administrators' leave must be unpaid, does she owe APS any back salary?

Finally, it is commendable that Stapleton wants to meet with Gov. Martinez and apologize in person — the governor also is willing to have a face-to-face discussion. Ugly slurs are wrong, whether it's Internet loonies turning the first lady into an ape and sending her photo around, or an angry legislator calling the governor a Mexican. In the heat of an argument, that word is not a description, it's an insult, and as such has no place in the room.