EDINBURG, Texas - A candidate running for the 13th Court of Appeals in Texas says she has been sent an offensive commercial from a political action committee representing her opponents that targets immigrants.
Regi Compian Richardson spoke about the commercial while on stage during a Get Out the Vote Rally hosted by former Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chair Ramon Garcia.
“The (Republican) candidates right now that are running, they're telling people that they're going to target immigrants. That's what the commercials say. That is illegal and that is unconstitutional and that is unethical. And that is not what being a Democrat… that is not what being an American is about,” Richardson said.
Richardson said a group of “amazing women” have blazed an historic trail on the 13th Court of Appeals. She said that legacy needs to continue. "We're already in the room and we're already at the table, and they're trying to tell us to get out.”
The Edinburg attorney said she is also offended by a hashtag Republicans are using that says they want to “sweep the 13th.” Richardson said: “That is insulting, and we cannot let them do that. They can sweep their way out, they can have the broom and we'll take the gavel.”
The Rio Grande Guardian secured an interview with Richardson after her speech. She likened the offensive commercial to comments made at a Donald Trump campaign rally that described Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”
Richardson said: “There's a commercial that's being run by a PAC representing them and representing all Republican judges. And it actually says that Republican judges will target immigrants who are in front of them accused of crimes. Now the commercial says those who commit crimes. The problem with that is, when you are accused, you are afforded every right and every protection, and you are not to be presumed guilty. We are a country that honors people's rights.”
Richardson said any migrant accused of a crime who appears before a judge is entitled to the same rights as anyone else.
“In fact, as state judges, we do not hear cases based on immigration status. That is for the feds. And so if these judicial candidates believed in the canons that govern those jobs, of being a judge and being impartial and being fair, they would come out against that ad. And they have not. They are silent because they are complicit, and they are going along with the unconstitutional notion that if you are an immigrant, you are to be treated differently.”
Richardson continued: “Look at what's happening to the Puerto Ricans. If we allow any group to be singled out and targeted, then you could be next. That's the problem.”
Asked where the commercial is running, Richardson said: “It was sent to me, so I'm guessing that it's on social media. When I saw it I was offended for myself, and I was offended for everyone in this country, and I was offended for our Constitution.”
Richardson added: “I've been a lawyer for 21 years, and I've never felt so offended in my life about what their plan is. The judges will no longer be independent. Judges will no longer be able to do their jobs. We have to leave our personal opinions at the door when we put our robes on.”
Editor's Note: Here, below, is a video recording from the Get Out the Vote Rally hosted by Ramon Garcia. It features remarks from the first ever woman elected to the 13th Court of Appeals, Linda Yañez, plus current 13th Court of Appeals candidates Gina Benavides, Nora Longoria, Regi Compian Richardson, and Joe Martinez.
Here is the commercial 13th Court of Appeals candidate Regi Compian Richardson was referring to:
