The LATimes had an interesting article yesterday regarding the advances that the Democratic Party of Orange County has been achieving in the OC Vietnamese community. This isn’t really a new phenomenon. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez has built a strong relationship with the Vietnamese community in her district over the years. State Senator Lou Correa, has also done the same, as a County Supervisor and Senator.
This success that democrats are having is not that surprising. Democrats continue to hold their strength with minority communities throughout the state, while increasing their support among immigrants from the middle-east and eastern-europe. This is due in part to the ideals of the Democratic Party.
Now, Art Pedroza over at the Orange Juice Blog did make some wild accusations in his post about the LATimes story. While I would prefer not to engage in a shouting match with another blog, his allegations are so seriously false, they require a response.
Why is the O.C. Employees Association sitting this one out? My sources tell me that they are the ones trying to recruit lame Santa Ana Councilman David Benavides to take on Supervisor Janet Nguyen. So let me get this straight. The union wants to take out the first Vietnamese Supervisor in O.C. history…and they are not backing the only Democratic Vietnamese who is challenging her. Sure looks like this union does not like Vietnamese politicians. Or maybe they have figured out that Hoa is in league with the Trannies?
Liberal OC blogger Chris Prevatt, who is a member of this union, knows the truth…but he isn’t going to tell us. So far he has been attacking me for spilling the beans about his union’s talks with Benavides. Typical union hack – attack and cover up.
Since the comments were directed at the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) I asked their General Manager Nick Berardino if he would like to respond. He did…
Art’s post is a complete falsehood. It is extremely disappointing that some bloggers believe that they can create and pass on rumors that are without merit or fact.
– Nick
If Art had done his homework he would have found that OCEA supports both Republicans and Democrats. He would have found that OCEA has maxed out in contributions to Janet Nguyen’s reelection campaign. He would have found the OCEA has taken no position regarding endorsement of any candidate in the First District. I also have to wonder if Art would hold the same support for the “first Vietnamese Supervisor in OC” if Trung Nguyen was the sitting supervisor?
But don’t take my word for it. Check out Berardino’s comments about the First District contest on the Red County Radio Roundtable this week. They are certainly not the comments of someone hyping up an election challenge against Nguyen.
Fair enough, but then Chris which union is it that is talking to Benavides? Are you saying it is the OC Dems who are trying to recruit him, and not the unions?
Chris,
One more question. Why didn’t the OC Dems, or their candidate Hoa, or this blog, condemn this week’s anti-Mexican Van Tran press release about his copter ride to the border?
Art,
You are the one who made up the story of the “unions” recruiting Benavides. Only you would know which unions those are.
I would not be surprised if Orange County Democrats were to speak with potential candidates for Supervisor. I would not be surprised if Orange County unions were to be approached by and speak with potential candidates for Supervisor. That is a far cry from recruiting.
I do know that the Democratic Party of Orange County has not picked a candidate to formally support. I am also pretty certain that no unions have decided to formally support or oppose any candidates.
While it appears the Dems have made progress in recruting Vietnamese voters I would argue that Vietnamese voters would abandon the democratic party in a heart beat if the opposing candidate from the Republican party was the sole Vietnamese candiadate.
Vietnamese voters are more loyal to Vietnamese candidates regardless of partisian. Simpy put, if the dems party’s candidate is a Latino or White and the Reps bring out a Vietnamese candidate you better forget about it .
On the other hand, Latino Dems are more likely to vote for a non-Latino even if a sole Latino candidate is the Republican candidate.
This means that even if you signup all the Vietnamese voters in the central county thinking they will be loyal to the party you are simply misinformed.
The only way to garner the support of Vietnames voters is to have Vetnamese candidates and hope the Reps don’t have a more credible Vietnamese candidate.
As far as the Van Tran press release is concerned…
I think you may have gotten on Tran’s “Hate The Mexican Immigrants” mailing list due to your support of “The Real Republican” Lupe Moreno in the 34th Senate primary of 2006. I’m not on that list so I didn’t get it.
Since you were the only source for the release, I thought is was one of your many fantacies.
Chris-
The only “fantasy” here is the “Hate The Mexican Immigrants” label you and Art apply to anyone who prefers our immigration laws to actually be followed.
As far as engaging Art on a discussion about rumors he starts….it beats me why you guys still do it.
Normally when you are shown to be dead wrong and your “sources”(or voices) prove to be dead wrong, the best form is to apologize, mumble something about talking to your “sources”(or voices) , move on to a new topic and promise yourself that you’ll be more careful the next time. Like actually try to verify something before throwing it out.
Art, your “fair enough” doesn’t cut it.
d’Anconia-
I think Chris was using quotations around the phrase because a) those are the words Art used and b) Chris hadn’t even seen the piece. So i’m sure Art will be receptive to your shot across his bow.
It’s a fair comment that some liberals and some immigration rights activists dismiss anyone who believes that our immigration laws should be enforced as anti-Mexican or anti-latino. Most don’t though(especially the former group). While there are plenty of “anti-Mexican” folks out there who get their jollys ripping the raza they don’t represent, IMHO, the majority of people who want the U.S. to have secure borders and enforce immigration laws. While its true the Know Nothing strain in American culture runs noisy and deep, especially in bad economic times, its also true that we are a nation of immigrants(sorry if that sounds corny). it’s not an easy issue and certainly not one where common ground will be found when throwing the “anti-Mexican” bomb.