An anonymous attack on Republican Party Vice Chairman Estela Hernandez has been launched just days before an election in which she hopes to be elected state chairman to replace Randy Brogdon. The election will be held Sunday. Both of Hernandez’ opponents, Pam Pollard and Robert Hubbard, defended Hernandez and decried the mud-slinging.
Hernandez issued this statement:
It has come to my attention that an anonymous attack mailer has landed at the homes of State Committee Members across the state. This piece which conveniently does not have anyone claiming authorship questions my views on the important topic of illegal immigration.
Let me (be) clear. I do not support amnesty. I, like the vast majority of Republicans, believe that the first step to solving this national problem is to protect and seal the border. It is a national security issue, it is an economic issue, and it is simply the right thing to do.
I came to this country when I was six years old. My parents immigrated here legally, so I know the hardships and challenges that the legal immigration process can take. When I was eighteen, I sought the privilege and honor of calling myself a citizen of the United States. I went through the process, the tests, and one of the proudest moments of my life was when I stood and took the oath to become a US Citizen. As a part of that oath, I pledged to defend our Constitution, and I will continue to uphold and defend our Constitution and my God given conservative values for all long as I have breath.
Going through the citizenship process and studying our nation’s Founding Fathers, our Constitution and our Christian Heritage helped instill in me the understanding that I was a Republican. I have made it a practice to go to our naturalization ceremonies in Oklahoma to share that passion and conviction with new citizens and help them embrace their conservative values within the Republican Party.
As a naturalized citizen, I have often been asked my views on immigration issues and I have always striven to discuss the issue openly, honestly and passionately. I have spoken at a number of forums and events on this topic including some in Washington DC that also featured Pam Pollard. On Monday night, I conducted a tele-town hall with Steve Fair for State Committee Members and the question of illegal immigration was brought up, I answered it then as I have today, I do not support amnesty.
Whether this attack piece was generated out of a dislike for me personally, a fear of naturalized citizen holding the Chairman’s position, or because they are backing a different candidate remains to be seen. But whoever sent this has demonstrated the depths they are willing to go to try and silence me.
I will not be silenced. I will continue to advocate for our Party’s principles and beliefs. As a party we reaffirmed at this year’s convention that, “we welcome immigrants who want to legally seek freedom and opportunity, who want to work and who will embrace our values, learn the English language and respect our Union’s border and State’s sovereignty.”
As State Committee Members see this piece, I hope rather than believing the distorted attacks on the page, they will remember that we must unite as a Party, unite behind our principles and come together to elect Conservatives in 2016. I humbly ask for your support in that endeavor. – Estela HernandezSaid Pollard: “I rebuke these attacks against my friend Estela Hernandez. I have seen Estela work at the Naturalization ceremonies and share the conservative principles of the Republican Party. I have never heard her speak in favor of amnesty or any statements contrary to the platform of the OKGOP. My mother was also a legal immigrant from Ireland when she was only 16 years old so the issue of immigration is very close to my heart as well. I will join with Estela in opposition to amnesty and illegal immigration.”
– Estela HernandezSaid Pollard: “I rebuke these attacks against my friend Estela Hernandez. I have seen Estela work at the Naturalization ceremonies and share the conservative principles of the Republican Party. I have never heard her speak in favor of amnesty or any statements contrary to the platform of the OKGOP. My mother was also a legal immigrant from Ireland when she was only 16 years old so the issue of immigration is very close to my heart as well. I will join with Estela in opposition to amnesty and illegal immigration.”
Said Robert Hubbard: “I was just made aware of a letter attacking Estela. A Tulsa radio station called me for an interview Thursday morning and asked if I had seen the letter or heard about it, to which I replied neither. I am extremely saddened by this and condemn it. Estella, Pam and I were together again last night in Ardmore. The three of us have a great working relationship and respect for each other.”
I rebuke these attacks against my friend Estela Hernandez. I have seen Estela work at the Naturalization ceremonies and share the conservative principles of the Republican Party. I have never heard her speak in favor of amnesty or any statements contrary to the platform of the OKGOP. My mother was also a legal immigrant from Ireland when she was only 16 years old so the issue of immigration is very close to my heart as well. I will join with Estela in opposition to amnesty and illegal immigration.
Richard Engle writes:
I believe Estela when she says she does not favor amnesty. The content of the piece is in error. It claims she has been silent on the issue of amnesty and she has not. She is clear when asked that she opposes amnesty.
If this was done simply because she immigrated with her family when she was a child then the action is even more despicable.
I join Robert Hubbard and Pam Pollard in condemning this attack.
The selection of a new state party Chair should not become focused on one issue of public policy, especially when all the candidates agree in their opposition to amnesty.
We can do better than this, we must!