Ahead of tomorrow’s debate, immigrant rights and labor leaders and a California-based political scientist will gather on a press call to set the stage for the GOP’s latest primary debate; revisit California’s history on the immigration issue; and explain why the Republican Party’s embrace of xenophobic candidates, like Donald Trump, could spell disaster for the GOP nationwide.
**** PRESS CALL ****
Wednesday, September 16th at 11am ET/8am PT
DIAL: 877-876-9175; Passcode: CALIFORNIA
Wednesday night’s debate in California offers a reminder – a cautionary tale – for Republicans. In 1994, California’s Governor Pete Wilson (R) pushed through the infamous anti-immigrant Proposition 187 and ignited a political backlash from the state’s changing electorate. Latino and Asian immigrants became citizens in record numbers and transformed the state politically. As a result, the California Republican Party – once the launching pad of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan – is no longer competitive statewide (see this Latino Decisions post for more).
More on why California poses a cautionary tale for the GOP HERE.
Following Wednesday’s press call on site at the Ronald Reagan Library, more than 40 local and statewide California organizations—including faith, immigrant, civil rights groups, students, and labor unions—will hold a rally, calling for a #NoHateDebate and an end to the racist, xenophobic rhetoric that has fueled the Republican primary. Hundreds will caravan to Simi Valley, CA to rally outside against the Republican candidates.
Prior to leaving, local groups will hold an early morning pre-debate press conference in Los Angeles at 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET. Both events will be live-streamed on Periscope and Twitter at @Citizenship4All.
WHAT: Why California Remains a Cautionary Tale for the GOP
WHEN: Wednesday, September 16th at 11am ET/8am PT
WHO: Maria Elena Durazo, General VP for Immigration, Civil Rights, and Diversity, UNITE HERE
Adrian D. Pantoja, Ph.D., Senior Analyst, Latino Decisions
Angelica Salas, President and Board Chair, Coalition For Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles Action Fund (CHIRLA Action Fund)
Lynn Tramonte, Deputy Director for America’s Voice
DIAL-IN INFO: 877-876-9175; Passcode: CALIFORNIA
