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Border Sheriff Drops Endorsement of John McCain over SB1070
by DA Morales on Jul. 20, 2010
Border Sheriff Tony Estrada endorses Randy Parraz for US Senate.
Border Sheriff Drops Endorsement of John McCain over SB 1070
Support to Democratic Candidate Randy Parraz Causes McCain to Pull Campaign Ad
PHOENIX, AZ—In a move that surprised Senator John McCain, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Tony Estrada, whose jurisdiction includes one of the most active segments along the Arizona-Mexico border, dropped his support for the long-time Senator and endorsed Democratic candidate Randy Parraz. Sheriff Estrada cited McCain’s support of Arizona’s controversial SB 1070 law and his lack of compassion for the unemployed as his reasons for the change.
“SB 1070 does nothing for border security. It simply casts suspicion on people based upon how they dress and how they speak,” commented Sheriff Estrada. “John McCain is using SB 1070 to divide our community and bolster his campaign for re-election,” he said. Estrada, like Parraz, is an opponent of SB 1070.
The Sheriff and law enforcement veteran told the press on June 11 he endorsed Parraz because of his commitment to positive change, his history and experience in working in the community, and having a deep understanding of the complexity of the challenges facing Arizona.
This week Senator McCain began running campaign advertisements that listed Sheriff Estrada as one of his endorsements. A spokesperson for McCain indicated the ads would be taken off the air after being informed that Estrada had endorsed Parraz.
Arizona’s SB 1070 changed political tides in recent months and “has negatively affected Arizona’s economy and reputation,” Estrada added. “Yet McCain still demonstrates apathy to the economic situation in our state and those who have lost their jobs, but has no shame asking them for their vote,” he said. Parraz agrees with Sheriff Estrada and supports extended unemployment benefits.
The son of a deputy sheriff in Sacramento County, Parraz also supports the federal government’s recent lawsuit to stop the enforcement of SB 1070. Parraz said the new law “Is an unnecessary distraction that does nothing to secure the border or fix the immigration system.” Parraz is the only candidate for U.S. Senate who helped organize efforts to stop SB 1070 in its premature state at the Arizona Legislature. Parraz was fueled to run for McCain’s seat after leading talks in opposition of SB 1070 with Governor Jan Brewer’s Office, and after its signing in April.
“We must find real solutions by way of immigration reform and economic stability,” stated Parraz who has a law degree from U.C. Berkeley and a Masters degree from Harvard University. “And I believe I have the leadership to make that happen,” he added.
The last day to register to vote for the primary is July 26. The primary election is Aug. 24. For more information, please visit parrazforchange.com .
July 20th, 2010 on 6:24 pm
It’s very interesting that a SHERIFF would suddenly change his position on such a non essential issue here’s part of Estrada’s verbiage “SB 1070 does nothing for border security. It simply casts suspicion on people based upon how they dress and how they speak,” commented Sheriff Estrada. After all that is what Estrada said was his reason Why? Who have you been talking to? Better yet who got to you from the other side? Have you actually read SB1070? Then copy and paste to this site that specific language in the bill which is aimed only at Hispanics. There is a Federal Law already on the books that requires you as a Sheriff to do your job. There is also language in the bill 1070 that may and can mean you are aiding and abetting illegals by allowing them to remain work and live here in the U.S.A. Didn’t you take an oath to uphold all of the laws in your jurisdiction and the constitution? So what is your response? Are you going to do YOUR job…er I should ask your responsibility?
July 21st, 2010 on 8:04 am
You are assuming he has not read the bill. I am sure he has, along with reading the Constitution!
Let me ask you this, What about the Supremacy Clause? Should we ignore it? What is reasonable suspicion, and tell me without profiling?
What about the fact the Taxi drivers will have to verify your legal status before you get in to their vehicle? Are they qualified to do so?
Crime victims?
What if under the officers untrained discretion, a driver license is not enough because of poor English Skills?
Hope you don’t burn too many brain cells figuring this out?
July 20th, 2010 on 5:47 pm
Thank you, Sheriff, I am glad you had the courage to speak up against this absurd legislation.
July 20th, 2010 on 5:41 pm
Sheriff Babeau has appeared on a hate group program and now denies he knew of the program’s racist views. Amazing how the media will take him and Brewer at their word while us Mexican-Americans have been through this hate all our lives and know better. Kudos to Sheriff Tony. You have done the right thing. Yes, there are many illegals in America, however there are many more Mexican-Americans in Arizone who vote. MacCain is a proven loser.