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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Supports of embattled Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn are coming to his defense, rallying for the congressman outside of his Colorado Springs office Friday afternoon.

Lamborn has apologized to President Barack Obama after using the term "tar baby" in reference to the president on a radio show last month.

Lamborn has said he was trying to call the president's position on the debt ceiling a "sticky situation."

The term is sometimes used as a racial epithet, and civil rights activists have expressed outrage over the use of the term, protesting outside Lamborn's office on Monday.

Backers of Lamborn said the comment has overshadowed the positive aspects of the congressman and his career.

Lamborn is not expected to be at Friday's rally.