Anyone who has ever spent a long period of time in Indiana – whether it’s during childhood, attending college, or holding a job – they are considered a Hoosier.
And once you’re a Hoosier, you’re always a Hoosier. And in Indiana, we are taught to look after our own.
This includes U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel. Born in East Chicago to parents who immigrated to Indiana from Mexico, Curiel grew up in our state, went to Indiana University for both his undergraduate and law degrees, and took his first job right here in Indiana. You can’t get any more Hoosier than that.
Donald Trump for weeks has attacked one of us. Trump’s tantrum created insults like using "Mexican” as a derogatory term because Curiel is Mexican-American. But what’s worse, Trump concluded there was “an absolute conflict” between Curiel’s background and the case he was assigned to take as U.S. District Court judge, which happened to be against the GOP nominee.
Earlier this year, the Indiana Democratic Party and its candidates condemned Trump for running a campaign based on a toxic and divisive message. From attacking women and disabled Americans to introducing policies that ban Muslims from entering the U.S., no one is safe from the crosshairs of Trump. For Trump, his campaign is all about himself and no one else.
Trump has gone too far. But where is the Indiana Republican Party? Where are Mike Pence, Todd Young, Jackie Walorski, “Tennessee” Trey Hollingsworth and the rest of the Indiana GOP delegation on this? They remain silent.
This silence is deafening – and it should be a wake-up call to all Hoosiers.
Indiana Republicans claimed for months they would support the GOP nominee for president – no matter who it was. But yet, when their standard bearer seeks to divide instead of unite - they all say nothing.
The fact is, this silence is responsible for creating Trump. The GOP nominee for president is the sum of the divisive, gridlocked rhetoric hand they’ve played for years. From the debt ceiling crisis to shutting down the federal government, Trump is the culmination of the party of “No.”
Hoosier Democrats and Republicans – our parties may disagree on policy, but when a Hoosier is wrongfully attacked because of who they are, it is our responsibility to show leadership by coming together and condemning it.
Now is the time for the Indiana Republican Party and its elected officials to stand up for one of our own. This is the opportunity for Hoosier Republicans to join Democrats and condemn Trump and his campaign for president.
