PHOENIX – After initially remaining neutral, State Rep. Ruben Gallego today endorsed former Arizona Democratic Party Chairman Andrei Cherny for Congress and did so in reaction to the divisive campaign tactics of Cherny’s opponents.

Earlier this afternoon, at a press conference at the State Capitol, Kyrsten Sinema’s campaign accused Cherny of injecting “race into this campaign.”  As evidence, they pointed to a 2002 flyer from a previous campaign that Cherny has repeatedly renounced over the past and did so again yesterday.  Apparently, their campaigns believe using these blatantly despicable tactics are the only way they can win.

Christina Martinez said she had worked with Sinema for about a week to put on the press conference.  Sinema campaign surrogate State Rep. Katie Hobbs agreed, and said Sinema’s event had been “in the works for a while.”  

David Schapira personally asked his campaign surrogates to participate in the press conference.
Phoenix City Councilman Michael Nowakowski called the charade “the most disgusting kind of politics I’ve ever seen in the Democratic Party.”  

Statement from State Rep. Ruben Gallego:

“I endorse Andrei Cherny for Congress not only to repudiate the attacks, but because Andrei has been one of the most vocal champions for the Hispanic community.  When other Democrats sought to curry favor with Russell Pearce, Andrei led our Democratic Party with the courage to take on extremist Republicans.  He consistently called out Russell Pearce and Sheriff Joe Arpaio.  I look forward to fighting alongside Andrei against extremist Republicans.  These kinds of attacks are wrong, and have no place in our party.”

Gallego represents State Legislative District 16, and is the son of two Hispanic immigrants.  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and saw extensive combat in Iraq.  Gallego remains one of Arizona’s strongest advocates for military veterans and the Hispanic community.