FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2010
Contact:
Jackeline Stewart
(202) 785-1670
Washington, DC—Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR (National Council of La Raza), sent letters today to Democratic National Committee Chairman Timothy Kaine and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, urging both Democrats and Republicans to denounce efforts to advance campaigns by scapegoating Latinos. NCLR, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, issued the following statement:
“NCLR is very concerned by how several candidates for office in both parties are stirring up anti-immigrant sentiment for political gain. Recent ads aired across the country have used photos, footage, and language that contain blatantly negative stereotypes and caricatures of Hispanic Americans. While extreme attacks are, unfortunately, not uncommon to this election year, we are exhorting the leaders of both parties to immediately denounce such tactics. In addition, we are urging them to take the necessary steps to ensure that all of their candidates and campaigns refrain from using this type of maneuvering for the remainder of the election season.
“As a nonpartisan organization, we have worked closely with members of both parties, and we do not support or endorse any candidate for office. This is not a question of taking issue with any individual candidate or his or her policy positions. This is a matter of protecting our democratic process and promoting respect, civility, and common decency for all Americans.
“These kinds of ads are offensive and disrespectful and have no place in our electoral process. They should not have a place in the Democratic or Republican parties either. We urge both parties to renounce such campaign maneuvers and avoid scapegoating in this critical election year.”
###