Bill Richardson, the former governor of New Mexico, had harsh words of criticism for Sen. Ted Cruz and his tough immigration views: He’s not a real Hispanic.
“I’m not a fan [of Mr. Cruz],” Mr. Richardson said on ABC on Sunday, speaking to the senator’s immigration plan for zero amnesty and tighter crackdowns on illegals. “I know he’s sort of the Republican latest flavor. He’s articulate. He seems to be charismatic, but I don’t like his politics.”
His border protection views are “anti-immigration,” Mr. Richardson said, as Fox News reported. And he really shouldn’t be “defined as a Hispanic.” Mr. Cruz brings a “measure of incivility in the political process,” Mr. Richardson said, Fox News reported.
Mr. Cruz’s father came to the United States from Cuba roughly six decades ago. His mother is Irish-Italian, Fox News said.
“Almost every Hispanic in the country wants to see immigration reform,” Mr. Richardson said, on ABC. “No, I don’t think he should be defined as a Hispanic. He’s a politician from Texas, a conservative state. … I’ve seen him demean the office, be rude to other senators, not be part of, I think, the civility that is really needed.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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