Friday, May 8, 2020
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Consultant for Lacey Lambastes Gascón Over Campaign Fundraising Email
Says Challenger Seeks to Capitalize on COVID-19 Epidemic
By a MetNews Staff Writer
The campaign consultant for Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey yesterday blasted his client’s election opponent, George Gascón, for sending out an email in which he seeks to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to raise funds.
In a press release in which Lacey, herself, was not quoted, consultant Maclen Zilber of J&Z Strategies said:
“We appreciate that George Gascón recognizes that D.A. Lacey is taking ‘monumental steps’ to help the homeless in this crisis and to reduce our incarcerated population, but this fundraising email is troubling. It’s one thing for him to raise money during this crisis—but to raise money off of the coronavirus crisis is a whole different matter. Tricking voters into donating to his campaign with an email that appears to be about pandemic response is an opportunistic ploy, which is fitting since Gascón calls our current pandemic an ‘opportunity.’ We call on George Gascón to return any money raised from this misleading email, or donate it to a credible, recognized charity that is responding to coronavirus.”
Gascón said in his campaign email:
“The global pandemic has forced us all to make significant changes in our daily lives in order to protect ourselves and our neighbors. After decades of debate, it was an invisible virus that forced our government to address our most visible challenges. In weeks, we have taken monumental steps to house the homeless and reduce astronomic levels of incarceration.
“So when the pandemic is behind us, will we fall back to where we were, or will we lean into where we must go?
“I am asking you to step up and join me today to ensure our campaign has the resources to win and take Los Angeles where we must go.
“…Make no mistake, your next District Attorney will wield massive influence over the direction Los Angeles will take. We cannot afford to fall back. We must lean forward.
“Will you lean forward with me and contribute any amount you can to help us win in November?
“Thank you. I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. Stay home, but stay strong.”
Copyright 2020, Metropolitan News Company