BAKERSFIELD, CA - There's a new controversy in the race for the 16th District Senate seat. It involves a campaign flier that, some say, mixes politics with religion.
The flier, put out by Democrat Leticia Perez, features an image of our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico.
Some Catholics were offended that it was used in a political flier. The flier urges Latino voters to go to the polls May 21st, but it also contains the wording "Blessed Virgin, please help us."
Perez, who is Christian, says the flier wasn't meant to be religious, it was a message of inspiration.
"I did not mean to cause offense to anyone who has viewed the ad or taken it personally. For that, I am deeply sorry and I will not do it again. But, I would like to say historically, Cesar Chavez and Governor Brown, they have in their process of changing the condition of their communities, they have used this imagery as a way to spark hope and inspire the community to action," explained Perez.
The ad prompted a complaint to the Fresno Archdiocese, which said it does not endorse any political candidates.
Republican candidate, Andy Vidak, had no comment on the flier.
In addition to Perez and Vidak, those running for the 16th District Senate seat include Francisco Ramirez, Mohammad Arif and Paulina Miranda.
The flier, put out by Democrat Leticia Perez, features an image of our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico.
Some Catholics were offended that it was used in a political flier. The flier urges Latino voters to go to the polls May 21st, but it also contains the wording "Blessed Virgin, please help us."
Perez, who is Christian, says the flier wasn't meant to be religious, it was a message of inspiration.
"I did not mean to cause offense to anyone who has viewed the ad or taken it personally. For that, I am deeply sorry and I will not do it again. But, I would like to say historically, Cesar Chavez and Governor Brown, they have in their process of changing the condition of their communities, they have used this imagery as a way to spark hope and inspire the community to action," explained Perez.
The ad prompted a complaint to the Fresno Archdiocese, which said it does not endorse any political candidates.
Republican candidate, Andy Vidak, had no comment on the flier.
In addition to Perez and Vidak, those running for the 16th District Senate seat include Francisco Ramirez, Mohammad Arif and Paulina Miranda.