Demands Debate Ahead of Democratic Nominating Convention
White Plains, NY -- Tony Castro today urged members of the Democratic Party in Westchester
not to be fooled by the recent switch in party alliance and allegiance of incumbent Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore
and challenged her to a debate in advance of the Democratic county nominating
convention now scheduled for the end of the month.
“Today is April Fool’s Day – an appropriate occasion on
which to urge Westchester’s Democratic voters not to be fooled into believing
that this former three-time Republican candidate now shares our Democratic
values,” Mr Castro said.
“Four years ago, I called for an end to capital punishment
in New York, repeal of the Rockefeller drug laws and reclassifying rape as a
Class A felony,” Mr Castro continued. “As a Republican Janet DiFiore
opposed the repeal of capital punishment and has been curiously silent on the
Rockefeller drug laws. Where does she stand? Democratic voters have
a right to know!”
When Ms DiFiore switched
parties, she told The New York Times,
“The principles of the Democratic Party are closely aligned with my views,” yet
refused to offer any specifics. When pressed to do so, she finally
remarked that “...it did not matter what political party she belonged to.”
“Perhaps Ms DiFiore thinks
party enrollment is a matter of political convenience,” Mr Castro said, “but
the inconvenient truth is that Democratic values of justice and equal treatment
under the law do matter to lifelong Democrats like me. And since she has zero
history with the Democratic Party, Democrats need to see and hear from her, in
debate, for themselves, where she stands on issues that we hold dear.”
“The values a person brings to the Office of District
Attorney are relevant to a discussion about who is best suited for the
position,” Mr Castro said. “The District Attorney is elected to set
policy for the administration of criminal justice in Westchester County. It is not, as Ms DiFiore
seems to contend, a ministerial office.”
Should Ms. DiFiore ignore
his request for a debate, Mr. Castro will ask Democratic party officials to
schedule one the night of the county convention.
Learn more at the http://www.TonyCastroForDA.com/ Website.
