Democratic State Reps. Chad Campbell and Robert Meza have sent out a mailer to let the district know that their opponent has a criminal record. While that's fair game, it seems to me that printing his mug shot is a little, you know, Willie Horton-esque. Here's the entire mailer.
I suppose that Meza and Campbell will claim that they are just pointing out that a guy with a criminal record might not be the best State Representative, but the key to the ad is Mr. Valdez' APPEARANCE.
Then on the reverse Campbell and Meza emphasize that Mr. Valdez may be "John" on the ballot, but he usually goes by "Juan." What's the point of that? Russell Bowers goes by Rusty. My full name is Gregory. Is it really a problem that this guy wants to be called Juan at home and John on the ballot?
No, Campbell and Meza are sending the message that Valdez is too Mexican.
Can you imagine if a Republican had run this ad? Wow.
UPDATE: Here's Rep. Campbell's response.
Hi Greg,
I wish you would have asked for the entire story about this mailer before posting.
The ONLY reason we have sent out his photo and are bringing up the issue about his name, is because he has been trying to claim he was a victim of identity theft and IT WASN’T HIM THAT HAD THE RECORD. So, obviously, we wanted to refute the mailing he sent out to voters trying to hide his criminal record. That is the only reason we sent this piece out. If Mr. Valdez had been honest about his past criminal record, this never would have been an issue and there would have been no need to send this piece out.
If you would like to discuss further, please feel free to call me at 602...
Sincerely,
Chad Campbell
One more Thing
Greg,
In addition to refuting his criminal past, he has repeatedly said he is not Juan Valdez, that he is John Valdez. The fact is that he is Juan Valdez. That is why we brought up the name issue. No other reason. Again, he has been trying to hide his criminal record by claiming he is someone else. As I said, I would love to discuss further with you if you’re so inclined. 602....
Thanks.
Chad Campbell
I'm not sure what you're asking here...
"This ad from a Democrat is looks like an ad from a Republican... What would happen if a Republican ran an ad like the one the Democrat ran that was like a Republican ad?"
- DOES NOT COMPUTE - DOES NOT COMPUTE -
(you can't see it right now, but smoke is trailing from my ears and sparks shooting from my head)
Did they release the ad together? How's THAT legal?
Posted by: The Klute | July 31, 2008 at 05:36 PM
So your point is, Greg, that they're acting like Republicans? Good for you.
Posted by: muckraker | July 31, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Greg's point is that Democrats whine when they perceive a Willie Horton or a Swiftboating, but have no qualms about employing the same tactics.
After all, why should we be surprised? This is the same party that invented the political body slam in 1964 with the Goldwater mushroom cloud stunt.
Posted by: Sam | July 31, 2008 at 06:29 PM
"Then on the reverse Campbell and Meza emphasize that Mr. Valdez may be 'John' on the ballot, but he usually goes by 'Juan.'"
"No, Campbell and Meza are sending the message that Valdez is too Mexican."
Depending on the demography of the district, it could be that he's not Mexican enough, i.e. ashamed of being Latino. Either way, it's stupid.
Anyone know what Juan Valdez's record is for?
Posted by: The Klute | July 31, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Lead with your strong side. Don't toss 4 aces away hoping for a flush. Why on earth would you emphasize the Juan/John issue when YOU HAVE HIS MUGSHOT, GREAT QUOTES FROM THE POLICE/COURT REPORT, AND THE FACT THAT HE'S DRUNK AND FIRING SHOTS IN THE AIR?
Usually people (Obama) play the race card when they have nothing left. These guys did it first.
Posted by: Name: | July 31, 2008 at 07:09 PM
This guy is awesome. From his candidate survey at azcentral.com
Are you using public financing - "Yea"
What character flaw most harms a public official? - "Being an imposture"
Spelling is a little rough, but very insightful considering the circumstances.
What character trait best serves a public official? - "honesty"
Posted by: Mark | July 31, 2008 at 08:06 PM
The "Juan/John" thing is important. On the one hand, Valdez thinks that John plays better in this time of hysterical anti-immigration politics. On the other hand, Campbell and Meza believe that either they want to blow up his game, or they want to expose the fact that Valdez is being "too cute" for the purposes of political polishing. This is a white lie by Valdez, but it is still a lie and it is fair game to talk about. At least they are not saying he is a "known thespian".
Posted by: Jack | July 31, 2008 at 08:11 PM
This was in the AZ Republic a couple of weeks ago.
There are no Republicans running in District 14. This is a 'safe' Democratic seat.
Meza and Campbell are the incumbents. What is the fear here?
Posted by: ron | July 31, 2008 at 09:02 PM
And just to state the obvious, Robert Meza is Hispanic so a Hispanic-bashing motive is a little hard to swallow....
Posted by: Bill | July 31, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Has anyone watched the Clean Elections debate between these three?? If not, two reasons to do so:
#1 reason - I believe what Campbell is saying is true as Valdez repeatedly tries to claim his name is John, even repeating it over and over again at one point. It's obvious Valdez is trying to claim he's someone else...so I think Meza and Campbell are totally in the right on this one...
#2 reason - uhhh, well, watch the debate for just the first couple rounds of questions and you'll see what I mean. It's gotta be a first for any debate for the state legislature!!
Wow.
Posted by: phoenixknows | July 31, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Juan Valdez, Colombia's longtime coffee icon and an American household name. AHHHH, I like his coffee. He has my vote
Posted by: lamda lamda | August 01, 2008 at 12:16 AM
When I ran for office, I chose to go by "Jim" rather than "James." John, Juan, whatever...
If it were a straight Republican, he'd have been hammered bu the Democrats.
Now, if "John" was an illegal, they would be praising his commitment to becoming an American.
I wonder if a Republican outs a Democratic legislator this year, they'll cry "foul?" I mean, the guy has a "beard," so that's deceitful. Right?!
Posted by: Jim Torgeson | August 01, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Jim, huh? I don't think you can reasonably equate Juan/John with James/Jim. I can see Jon, Jonathan, Johnny etc. But the use of an Anglican surname rather than a Hispanic surname, in these times, is a significant difference that bears explaining.
Posted by: Jack | August 01, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Juan is Spanish for John. As for the Spanish version of Jim.... Hymie.
Posted by: Jim Torgeson | August 01, 2008 at 11:55 PM