WASHINGTON, D.C. – It is reprehensible that the campaign of an Orange County Republican congressional candidate is stooping to the lowest form of dirty political tricks in an attempt to eek out a victory, disenfranchising thousands of voters in the process.
Winning at all costs has unfortunately become the political mantra of many politicians in this day and age, including Tan D. Nguyen, who is challenging Democratic Rep. Loretta Sanchez. Republican leaders in California are right to ask Nguyen to pull out of the race and he should immediately heed their calls. His campaign sent letters threatening 14,000 registered Hispanic voters -- who happened to be Democrats -- that they could be jailed if they try to vote. In fact, Nguyen should not only drop out of the race, he should also apologize.
It is important that California authorities pursue this matter quickly and aggressively. Americans are disgusted with the ugliness of politics and increasingly decline to exercise their fundamental right at the ballot box. We should feel confident again that our votes mean something.
I am certain that the despicable voter intimidation committed by Nguyen's campaign will backfire. Let's show politicians like Nguyen on November 7 that democracy will not be intimidated or suppressed in this great country of ours. Get out and vote.
