Justice Democrats: "We're launching our first primary target: Henry Cuellar, a fake Democrat."

We're launching our first primary target: Henry Cuellar, a fake Democrat.

❌ Votes with Trump 69% of the time
❌ 'A' Rating from the NRA
❌ Voted to penalize sanctuary cities
❌ Fundraises for the GOP

✅ Let's recruit a grassroots progressive challengerhttps://t.co/du8nBQW2Mx

— Justice Democrats (@justicedems) January 11, 2019

From an email today:

Justice Democrats

 

In 2018, progressive voters showed the nation that we were tired of centrist, corporate-backed Democrats representing deep-blue districts. Democrats should be fighting for their voters, not corporate donors.

Here’s the reality: across the country, there are Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs and Ayanna Pressleys who have dedicated their lives to community service, civic activism, progressive causes, and so much more. They’re ready to take up the fight, but we need to find them first.

We’ve already found our first target: Henry Cuellar of Texas’ 28th district. Cuellar voted with Trump 69% of the time, has an A rating from the NRA, opposes Medicare for All, endorsed George W. Bush for President, and took millions from private prison companies. It’s time for him to go.

That’s why we’re launching our Primary Henry Cuellar Fund — because any progressive challenger will be up against a powerful establishment, and this is a race we absolutely must win. Chip in to kickstart a progressive primary challenge today »

If you’ve stored your info with ActBlue, we’ll process your contribution instantly:

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Henry Cuellar openly campaigned and raised money for a Republican incumbent who was fending off a challenge from a progressive woman (and the Republican won…but only by three points). Not only that, Cuellar has voted with Republicans to ban the use of federal funds for abortion services.

Texas’ 28th district voted for Hillary by 20 points in 2016. Despite that, Cuellar has still supported the Trump agenda at more points than almost any other Democrat.

Over the course of his career, Cuellar has accepted over $100,000 from the Koch-backed Club for Growth, which advocates for far-right policies nationwide. Moreover, he’s taken millions of dollars from the GEO Group, which funds private prisons and immigrant detention centers on the border.

Can Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, and Democratic Party leadership actually defend Cuellar as a real Democrat?

That’s right: Henry Cuellar is a ‘Democrat’ who takes money from a company that profits off detaining immigrants and refugees. That’s why it shouldn’t surprise you that he also sided with Republicans to help block DACA, and betrayed DREAMers in the process.

At the end of the day, Henry Cuellar isn’t “voting like a Texas Democrat.” He’s basically a Texas Republican in all but name.

If you think Henry Cuellar’s conduct is what Democrats should aspire to, do nothing and stick with the status quo. But if his betrayal of DREAMers, his acceptance of Koch money, and his attacks on fellow progressive Democrats make you angry, contribute to the Primary Henry Cuellar Fund right now and help us find a challenger »

Primary Henry Cuellar 2020

This is what happens when Democrats are afraid to primary other Democrats — you get deep-blue incumbents openly betraying the interests of their voters, and their party.

We’re not afraid. Henry Cuellar has voted like a Republican. It’s about time that someone hold him accountable.

With your help, we will.

In solidarity,

Alexandra Rojas