Story highlights Jeb Bush, in what was meant to be a light-hearted moment Wednesday nicknamed a South Carolina elected official "Hurricane Katrina"

Bush's brother, former President George W. Bush, was widely criticized during the 2005 hurricane that killed more than 1,800 people

Lexington, South Carolina (CNN) Jeb Bush, in what was meant to be a light-hearted moment Wednesday, nicknamed a South Carolina elected official "Hurricane Katrina," a reference to a tragedy that killed nearly 2,000 people and is regarded as a low point in his brother's presidency.

State Sen. Katrina Shealy introduced Bush before his town hall at the iconic Hudson's Smokehouse here, just outside of Columbia. When Bush took the stage, he attempted to praise Shealy, the only woman in the state senate for the previous three years.

"In fact, when I was governor, in 16 months we had eight hurricanes and four tropical storms. One of them was called Katrina," he said as some in the audience laughed.

"I don't know why your great state senator reminds me of a hurricane. But she does. She's strong and she's fierce, and she's solving problems for you at the state capitol," he continued. "You should be honored to have her as your elected official. I hope you agree with that. That should be your nickname. In the Bush family, we always give out nicknames. Yours is now Hurricane Katrina."

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