New Winsome Earle-Sears ad accuses top Dem of being soft on illegal immigrant crime
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears has taken a bold step by releasing her first campaign ad directly targeting her Democratic opponent, former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger. The ad, which was released on Tuesday, aims to draw attention to an increase in violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants in the region, particularly in the exurbs around Fredericksburg, Culpeper, and King George.
The ad begins by highlighting a disturbing incident involving a Honduran national who was charged with abduction, assault, and rape after attacking a woman on the W&OD Rail Trail near John Foster Dulles International Airport. The ad underscores the fact that the perpetrator had been released early despite having a prior conviction for a separate sex crime.
The narrative then shifts to showcase similar incidents in other counties like Loudoun, Fairfax, and Arlington, with news clips and commentary from reporters, including Fox News’ Laura Ingraham. The ad also features footage of Spanberger being praised by former President Joe Biden, whom Republicans accuse of implementing a lenient border policy.
Earle-Sears criticizes Spanberger for her stance on immigration, accusing her of supporting open borders, sanctuary cities, and policies that compromise public safety. The ad emphasizes Spanberger’s rejection of the border wall and her self-identification as a progressive, positioning her as out of touch with the concerns of Virginians.
In response to the ad, a spokesperson for Spanberger dismissed it as a distraction tactic from a campaign facing a heated Republican primary. Spanberger’s team highlighted her background as a former CIA case officer and federal law enforcement officer, emphasizing her efforts to combat terrorism and secure the borders.
On the other hand, Earle-Sears’ spokesperson argued that Spanberger’s support for reckless immigration policies has made Virginia less safe. They criticized her for voting against deporting illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes, prioritizing politics over public safety.
Recent polling suggests that Earle-Sears is resonating more strongly with Republicans than Spanberger is with Democrats. The influence of former President Donald Trump on the race is also noted, following Governor Glenn Youngkin’s unexpected victory in 2021. Youngkin’s focus on public safety, particularly in Northern Virginia, played a significant role in his win.
As the gubernatorial race in Virginia heats up, both candidates are working to position themselves as the best choice for addressing the state’s challenges. With public safety and immigration emerging as key issues, voters will have to weigh the candidates’ records and proposals to determine who is best equipped to lead Virginia forward.
