Trump-Backing Laura Richardson Supporters Target Democrat Michelle Chambers in Heated Senate Race
Woman at center of deceptive mailer sent to voters in support of Richardson speaks out
By PACE NEWS Wire Report
LOS ANGELES – The race to replace termed-out state senator Steve Bradford has turned ugly. Residents in California’s 35th senate district, which includes the cities of Compton, Carson, Inglewood, and Watts received misleading mail claiming that Democrat Michelle Chambers had a “violent and disturbing record.”
Chambers, who is endorsed by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, is in a runoff with former Congresswoman Laura Richardson.
The hit piece claims that Chambers is “unfit for public office” and exaggerates an incident between Chambers and a woman named Rhonda Tobey that happened over 30 years ago in Pennsylvania.
In a letter to the editor of a newspaper that published a story about the fight, Rhonda Tobey explained, “When we were young, I was in a bad living situation. As my neighbor and friend, Michelle and I looked out for one another. Following a misunderstanding between us, I initiated a physical altercation during which Michelle tried to defend herself.”
She continued, “There was no ill intent on Michelle’s part. Michelle and I were close friends before and have been close friends since. I find it disgraceful that anyone would stalk and harass me, track me down in Pennsylvania where I live to unearth this decades-old matter, and force me to relive traumatic memories from a dark period in my life.”
“Like many young people, we made mistakes and had to face the consequences of our actions. What’s most important, though, is that Michelle and I have long since reconciled. What was reported was grossly exaggerated, as police reports and court documents often are.”
The mailer was sent to voters from the Keep California Golden Ad Committee, backed by the state’s correction officers’ union.
“Before this, I did not know about Laura Richardson,” added Tobey. “This is a clear example of an attempt to exploit the past for personal gain, and it speaks volumes about the kind of campaign Ms. Richardson and her supporters are running.”
Richardson, who served in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013, was repeatedly cited as one of the most corrupt members of Congress, earning a place on the “most corrupt” list during her tenure in Congress due to her repeated ethical violations and misuse of power. These included allegations of improperly pressuring her staff to campaign for her on government time, neglecting to disclose financial information, and misusing her position to influence decisions related to personal property. Such actions led to a lack of trust in her ability to serve with integrity and transparency, raising concerns about her commitment to ethical leadership. She was eventually voted out of office.
Tobey added, “Democrats, and those who genuinely support criminal justice reform, understand that the power of redemption lies in allowing individuals to evolve and contribute positively to society. That’s something Ms. Richardson should be familiar with considering her own troubled history of repeatedly being cited as one of the most corrupt members of Congress due to her repeated ethical violations and misuse of power and that was only 12 years ago–not 31. A candidate who digs up a 30-year-old incident between two friends to attack their opponent cannot, in good conscience, claim to be a supporter of criminal justice reform or second chances.”
Even though she is running as a Democrat, in her campaign for the 35th Senate District, according to campaign finance date, Richardson has taken $150,000 in donations from donors who have also given $15.5 million to elect Donald Trump and other Republicans who are pushing an extreme agenda to take away reproductive freedom and workers freedom to join a union, polluting the air and water and blocking efforts for gun safety laws to protect children from being gunned down at school. She’s even reach out to tech billionaire and Trump supporter Elon Musk via X (formerly Twitter) saying that she wants to speak with him and “work to create a better path forward.”
Campaign finance data also reveals that Richardson’s campaign is also being bankrolled by big oil, tobacco and corporate interests including Chevron, Altria/Phillip Morris, DaVita, California Grocers Association, McDonald’s, AT&T, California New Car Dealers Association and California Real Estate PAC.
The mailer and the use of Chambers’ three-decades old history brings up questions about Richardson’s commitment to social justice and criminal justice reform with advocates in the 35th Senate District.
“I think it goes beyond that,” added Susan Burton who after cycling in and out of prison for two decades, founded A New Way of Life Reentry Project for incarcerated women in California. “That’s one piece of it, but you know Laura Richardson wanting to sling events that are three decades old and not be able to recognize the intellect and integrity Michelle Chambers and of the person that she is today–I don’t want anyone like that representing me.
Burton continued, “It’s quite disturbing to me. What would she say about me? I don’t’ want anyone in Sacramento representing me that is as vicious as Laura Richardson.”
“The use of that mailer reveals a deep misunderstanding of what real reform entails. I wouldn’t expect anyone who uses that kind of mailer to back any legislation in Sacramento that provides justice-involved individuals with meaningful access to housing, employment, healthcare, and other essential resources,” said Compton resident Minister Paulette Simpson-Gipson.
Tobey said that despite the mailer and overly exaggerated blog story, she is a supporter of Michelle’s campaign for the state senate.
“Michelle stands for true reform – acknowledging our mistakes, learning from them, and moving forward to make positive contributions to society. She has used her life experiences, including the challenges she faced in her youth, to become a dedicated public servant who is deeply invested in making our community stronger. She also has shown that personal growth is not only possible but is integral to becoming a compassionate leader. That’s why I wholeheartedly support Michelle over her opponent Laura Richardson for state Senate.”
