Los Angeles – Wendy Greuel and Latino leaders from across the City today condemned a new attack ad by an independent expenditure backing Eric Garcetti that lies about and distorts Wendy’s record.
The ad tries to link Greuel to Gov. Pete Wilson and his campaign to pass Prop. 187, which restricted California services for undocumented immigrants. The ad claims that Greuel was a Republican during Wilson’s “anti-immigrant era”.
In fact, Greuel has been a Democrat since 1992, and vehemently opposed Prop. 187 while working in the Clinton Administration. Greuel campaigned against the proposition with her boss, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros.
Greuel, Congressman Tony Cardenas, Councilmember José Huizar, civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, and other civic leaders called on Garcetti’s allies to remove the ad immediately, and demanded that Garcetti denounce the ad.
“I call on Eric Garcetti to denounce this attack ad which is a flat out lie. In Spanish we have a saying, ‘no tienen verguenza’ – they have no shame. To lie to the community about someone who actually fought against Prop. 187 is as low as you can go," said Congressman Tony Cardenas.
“This ad is just disgusting. It’s a desperate attempt to smear Wendy Greuel, who has been a champion for the Latino community for years. This deceptive attack has literally no basis in fact. Here’s the truth: Wendy Greuel fought against Prop. 187 and has pushed for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. I call on the independent expenditure funding this ad to remove it immediately, and I urge the Latino community to see through these lies,” said Councilmember Huizar.
“Eric Garcetti must think he can't win this election honestly, if he has to turn to these lies and misinformation to confuse the voters. This is an insult to our community that had to suffer through the very real racism of Proposition 187. Garcetti needs to denounce this dirty politics campaign immediately and run a fair campaign,” said Huerta.
“Regardless of your vote, let us separate ourselves from this ‘gotcha mentality.’ I know Wendy Greuel. I know her husband. I know there is not a hint of discrimination in their souls. They always have been and continue to be the leaders in human rights and equality for all. Their record is clear, for our undocumented neighbors they stand tall,” said Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs.
On Wednesday, Greuel launched a new video highlighting her broad support in the Latino community. The video features Huerta, Huizar, Supervisor Gloria Molina and LAUSD Board President Mónica García discussing why Greuel will be a strong leader for Latino neighborhoods.
The video can be seen here.
“I will keep talking about issues facing our City. This election is too important to be bogged down in dishonest politics,” said Greuel. “I’m going to keep talking about my plan to create jobs, keep our neighborhoods safe, and build great schools. Unfortunately my opponent’s only plan is to smear me these last few days. Angelenos deserve a real discussion of the issues, not dishonest politics.”
The attack ad is the latest in a string of unethical smear attacks against Greuel. Garcetti’s allies have already been questioned over negative push polls that were not disclosed and TV ads that have distorted Greuel’s record as Controller.
Garcetti has also been taking heat this week for equivocating in his support for a living wage for hotel workers citywide. Greuel has strongly supported the measure.