Latinos For Reform Explains "Don't Vote' Ad

 WASHINGTON  -- The following is a statement from Latinos for Reform:

In responding to the Latinos for Reform "Don't Vote" ad campaign, President Obama said, "It is a cynical political ploy..." In reality, it is cynical that the President -- then Candidate Obama -- promised comprehensive immigration reform to 12 million vulnerable people within one year and, not only failed to act on that promise, he responded by increasing deportations.

Today, Latinos for Reform released its second ad. We are urging Latinos to be counted by casting their votes for Governor, Mayor, school board, etc. -- but not for candidates who ignore you once they get to Washington -- on Election Day. We hope that this clears up any confusion and allows candidates, the media and the Latino electorate to focus on the important issue of comprehensive immigration reform. 

According to LFR President Robert Deposada, "It is ironic that Harry Reid responded to the ads by asking, 'Can you really think of anything less patriotic or more offensive than telling people not to vote?' Reid and his people then pressured Univision -- which has a virtual monopoly on Spanish language media in the U.S. -- to pull the ad."

Deposada continues, "Instead of defending his record, Harry Reid used his political influence to censor the political debate.  It is sad that the political establishment is, once again, treating Latinos like we should just sit down and keep our mouths shut -- until it is time for us to obediently and blindly vote for them.

"Let's not forget that, for two years, Harry Reid has done nothing but sabotage even the smallest reform efforts. His excuse about immigration reform needing to be bipartisan is in sharp contrast with his unilateral approach on all of the other issues that were his real priorities.

"As a Latino, voting for Harry Reid or Sharron Angle is like choosing between getting stabbed in the back or getting clubbed in the head. We are asking Latinos to choose 'None of the above.' A vote for any of these two candidates is equal to or worse than not voting at all. The act of abstaining in this specific legislative contest is itself a vote."