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CAPAC Chair Calls on Hoekstra Campaign to Apologize for Racially Charged Ad

February 10, 2012

CAPAC Chair Calls on Hoekstra Campaign to Apologize for Racially Charged Ad

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, responded to the Hoekstra campaign's decision to pull its xenophobic political ad and website.  The attack ad against Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) depicted an Asian American woman intentionally speaking in broken English and a heavy accent. The ad also directed viewers to a Hoekstra-sponsored campaign website that featured Chinese characters and imagery.  In response to the quiet removal of these insensitive depictions, Congresswoman Chu released the following statement:

“It’s about time Hoekstra removed his campaign’s anti-China political ad and website.  However, I continue to call on him to issue a formal apology for his offensive campaign tactics.  Until Hoekstra admits wrongdoing and takes responsibility for his actions, the decision to no longer use this material is nothing more than an act of political cover.”
 

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently Chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.