SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A Hispanic state legislator has apologized to two legislative candidates in Democratic primary races for sending an email that referred to them in ethnic terms and that derided their character.
Democratic Rep. Miguel Garcia of Albuquerque said Wednesday he used inappropriate language regarding Jim Danner of Belen and Teresa Smith de Cherif of Los Lunas.
Garcia’s email earlier in the week to other Democrats about primary races referred to Danner and Smith de Cherif as “Democratic Anglo newcomer opponents” with “egos as big as Texas, mouths as big as the Grand Canyon.”
Garcia’s email also said, “Treachery in our ranks undermine Barreras & Otero.”
Danner is running against Frank Otero for the Democratic nomination for a seat now held by Rep. Alonzo Baldonado, R-Los Lunas, while Smith de Cherif faces Andrew Barreras in a primary race for a seat held by freshman Rep. Kelly Fajardo, R-Belen.
Garcia said he apologized because he was wrong to question the character of Danner and Smith de Cherif and because he didn’t take what he called the “moral high ground” on matters involving bigotry and discrimination.
Both Danner and Smith de Cherif said Garcia called them and that they accepted his apologies.
“I believe he was sincere,” Danner said. “I just wish he would have called me before he wrote those things. . I’ve been in New Mexico since 1949.”
Danner also said the campaign should be focused on the issues - education and the economy - and not “these peripheral matters.”
Several Democrats had called on Garcia to apologize.
Smith de Cherif, who said her family has six generations of Spanish speakers, said she admired Garcia for being willing to admit his mistake.
Garcia sent his email after Otero asked the veteran lawmaker for help with his campaign, according to KRQE-TV, which first reported the Garcia email.
Otero said he was glad Garcia apologized.
“I cringed when I read (Garcia’s original) email,” Otero said, “My grandma was half Anglo. And my grandchildren are half Anglo, too.”
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