Thread: AZ: human trafficker, married to an illegal runs for office

District 13 candidate's legal woes worry some lawmakers

by Yvonne Wingett and Casey Newton - Jan. 23, 2009 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

A leading candidate to replace a Phoenix state representative has raised concerns among some lawmakers who worry her legal woes could limit her effectiveness as a legislator.

Lydia Hernandez, a well-known immigrant-rights activist, is on a short list of candidates to replace former Rep. Steve Gallardo. Gallardo won a fourth term to represent west and southwest Phoenix but did not take the oath of office, choosing to become a political consultant instead.

Hernandez, 40, of Maryvale, made a name for herself in the Valley as an advocate for causes that support the legalization of undocumented immigrants.


She also has drawn criticism from some Democratic leaders at the state Legislature, who worry about misdemeanor traffic convictions, an arrest for suspicion of human trafficking and questions about her husbands' legal status.

She says her life experiences will make her an effective lawmaker; others disagree.

"The citizens of Arizona are very concerned about this situation," said Rep. Robert Meza, D-Phoenix. "We want to get the most competent, ethical person in District 13 - someone who is solution-driven as opposed to a bomb-thrower."

Meza said he was most concerned about a 1999 incident in which Hernandez was detained and questioned on suspicion of transporting undocumented immigrants southeast of Tucson. Hernandez was cited for speeding but was never charged with transporting immigrants. Records in the case were purged and sealed in 2007.

Hernandez said that on a trip back from the Mexican border, she saw an elderly man, a younger man and a woman on the side of the road.

"Knowing the conditions, the situation, and my activism in that area, they looked distressed, they needed help," she recalled.

Nonetheless, the leaders of the House Democratic caucus have endorsed Tolleson Vice Mayor Anna Tovar as Gallardo's replacement.

On Dec. 2, Hernandez disobeyed a traffic sign and was cited in Phoenix Municipal Court for driving without insurance. She later failed to show up for court, and her license was suspended. She said she got the license reinstated last week.

Last year, Hernandez's home was foreclosed on. Her husband of 13 years, from whom she is now separated, is an undocumented immigrant, although he has received legal status, she said.Hernandez said the current recession made it hard for her to pay her traffic fines and her mortgage. She said her experiences mirror those of thousands of people across the state, making her a perfect candidate for the Legislature.

Hernandez's marriage makes her a "reflection of unfortunately what's going on with (illegal) immigration," she said. "There were things that he couldn't do, couldn't have access to, like, he couldn't have a Social Security number," she said. "It impacts being able to buy a house, get credit. Being in that situation is tough."

Hernandez has lived in the district for 12 years and works for Maryvale Revitalization Corp., an organization that educates women on the importance of neo-natal care.

She was interviewed by a citizens committee charged with naming three potential replacements for the District 13 position. Three people have been interviewed: Hernandez; Tovar; and Andrea McCoy, a substitute teacher and civic advocate.

The board is expected to make its recommendations next week to the Board of Supervisors.

Hernandez, 40, of Maryvale, made a name for herself in the Valley as an advocate for causes that support the legalization of undocumented immigrants.

This woman is unqualified for any political position. The trouble with SOME Hispanics getting positions in government is that they want to revamp all of our country's laws to suit their needs. America needs representatives for all of its people, not just chosen few.

Sounds like this woman needs a little psychiatric help, or at least should be questioned a bit further on her own loyalty to her state and this country.

regardless of this woman's stance on immigration.....she's been convicted on suspicion of human trafficking and other crimes...that alone, should have been enough to preclude any serious political endorsements from any party. The fact that she was screened and is supported by any political party is simply outrageous. This woman is unfit for any office in the United States..perhaps she would be a welcome candidate in her husband's native country.

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