National Council of La Raza Asks RNC Chair Mehlman to Take Down Offensive Website

“In a letter sent today to Republican National Committee Chair Ken Mehlman, Janet Murguí, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., asked for the removal of a new website, www.muchagraciasdebbie.com, which was unveiled this week by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. The text of the letter follows:

Dear Mr. Chairman:

I’m writing to share with you my deep concern and extreme disappointment regarding a recent incident in which high-level Republican officials have, in the guise of the immigration debate, engaged in direct attacks on Hispanic Americans which are highly offensive to, and disparaging of, our community. The website of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (www.muchasgraciasdebbie.com) features Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow in a sombrero with a Muchas Gracias, Debbie banner. Clicking on the image takes you to a page featuring bilingual text which badly misrepresents some key policy debates to the tune of the “Mexican Hat Dance.” We ask that this website be removed immediately.

In August, we issued a public request to both political parties asking you to exercise leadership in preventing offensive ads from being used in this election season. This call was prompted by ads that were prepared by the senatorial campaign committees of both parties which caused outrage and concern in our community.

I am deeply disappointed to find that these tactics continue; they do great harm to our community and our country. Furthermore, I believe they dishonor the Republican Party whose relationship to the Latino community you have personally worked to improve. While I know that neither the ads nor other tactics reflect your personal views, I am asking you to exert your leadership to ensure that they do not disgrace the party or the nation further.

Sincerely,

Janet Murguí
President and CEO”

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