Latest news with #Independents
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Immigration enforcement at heart of divisive Chesapeake sheriff's race
CHESAPEAKE — One of the region's most divisive races in this election cycle is between two Republicans vying to be Chesapeake's fourth elected sheriff. At the heart of the division in the race is the city's immigration enforcement and cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Sheriff Dave Rosado said the city is following all ICE best practices and has even expanded its partnership. But his opponent, Chesapeake police officer Wallace Chadwick III, argues Rosado only began to hold inmates in custody on ICE detainers after Chadwick criticized the sheriff's office for not doing so. Chesapeake Republican party members on the local, state and federal level are not a united front, and have split support among the two men. The Republican primary is June 17. No other candidates have filed to run as Democrats or Independents, so whoever wins the primary would be the presumptive winner in the fall and secure a 4-year term. The sheriff's office handles jail security, courthouse security, civil enforcement and the school resource program, among other duties. Rosado took the reins in November to fulfill the remaining term for former Sheriff Jim O'Sullivan, who retired after more than a decade. Rosado worked in the Chesapeake Sheriff's office for more than 20 years and became the city's first Hispanic undersheriff in 2022. In the office, he's overseen jail operations, expanded the school resource officer program for elementary schools and led anti-bullying initiatives for students. 'I've been with the office for 20 years, worked all sections of the jail, and I truly love what I do. And I want to continue serving the city,' Rosado said. 'There's no trying to get to know the job. I'm ready today because I've been doing the job.' Chadwick is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and currently serves as a lieutenant and executive officer of the police's Special Operations Division and oversees the maritime operations unit. He's thrown his hat in the race to push against what he said is a tradition in Chesapeake of grooming someone internally within a 'good ole boys' network to step up and take over. He said he was compelled to run to change the 'culture' of the sheriff's office and give deputies 'a voice.' 'We've only had three elected sheriffs since 1963 and those elected sheriffs have been generationally passed down to the next guy,' Chadwick said. 'So essentially, they're grooming someone to take over their position and doing everything they can to assure that that way of life goes on.' If elected, Chadwick said he also wants to boost recidivism and rehab programs in the jail as well as change and update data systems for more communication between the sheriff's office and the police department. At the heart of Chadwick's campaign, however, is his criticism of how he said the sheriff's office has failed to cooperate with ICE under Rosado's leadership. ICE detainers are requests to local law enforcement to hold a person in custody for 48 hours past their scheduled release to give federal authorities time to pick them up them for possible deportation proceedings. In the past, federal courts have found some local law enforcement agencies liable for unconstitutional detentions under ICE detainers. Last year, New York City agreed to pay $92 million in damages to immigrants who were unlawfully detained beyond scheduled release dates. 757 Votes: The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press 2025 primary election guide Chesapeake sheriff is being challenged by a city police officer Youngkin directs Virginia State Police and prisons to cooperate with ICE Chadwick alleges the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office was not honoring ICE detainer requests under O'Sullivan or Rosado — at least until he pointed it out and made it a talking point of his campaign. Chadwick's campaign website includes a host of documents he said he received through Freedom of Information Act requests, including emails and memos regarding the city's immigration enforcement policies. Chadwick slams Rosado for releasing a 'convicted child sex predator' instead of holding him for 48 hours before releasing him into ICE's custody. 'The right thing for him to do would have been to take full accountability and say, 'You know what? This was pointed out. We are now changing our policy. We are now in full compliance,'' Chadwick said. 'I would not have had an argument after that, because he came out, took accountability and said, 'Yes, we're doing it.' Instead, he doubled down. He said, 'We've always complied with ICE.'' Rosado denies those assertions. He said he adopted all existing policy when he assumed the role in November, and then policy was reviewed and updated in March following an executive order from Gov. Glenn Youngkin in February requesting sheriffs certify compliance with ICE. The primary update was the implementation of a 48-hour detainer hold, which wasn't part of the policy in November. But after talking with other sheriffs about the executive order, Rosado said Chesapeake implemented the 48-hour hold, deemed an ICE best practice. He explained that when someone is jailed for a charge, ICE is contacted if it's an undocumented immigrant, then contacted again five days before release and each subsequent day until release. And as of this week, the city's ICE partnership was expanded to allow 72-hour holds, which Rosado said gives ICE extra time to process detainers without needing to travel hours away. Rosado said it was possible due to decreased restrictions under the federal administration. 'If (ICE) cannot come or make arrangements for transport at that time or prior, then legally, I cannot keep someone in our facility if the judge has released them, or their time is up, or if they make bonds,' he said. Rosado said when he took over in November, 24 people in the Chesapeake jail had ICE detainers. He said ICE has since picked up most of them, two were transferred to another facility, and four remain in custody. 'It doesn't happen a lot. We are very fortunate that Chesapeake doesn't have those issues,' Rosado said. 'We don't have illegal immigrants running (rampant) in the city … and we do not have dangerous criminal illegal aliens being released by me or this jail into our community. So that is not true, and we work closely and have a great partnership with ICE.' '] Rosado said he believes the attacks from his opponent are politically motivated. 'That's a narrative that someone who doesn't have their strategy is just to be negative when they have nothing to stand on or nothing to represent,' Rosado said. 'My opponent, he's a good cop, and I'm sure that in his role as traffic lieutenant, he's doing a good job, but I couldn't do that job. I don't know what makes him think that he can do my job.' Local, state and federal Republicans are split on who they're backing in the race. Rosado touts endorsements from U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, Virginia Sen. Christie New Craig, Virginia Del. Barry Knight, Mayor Rick West, former Chesapeake Sheriffs John Newhart and O'Sullivan, the Chesapeake Fraternal Order of Police and council member Jeff Bunn. Rosado also boasts the endorsement of Tony Pham, assistant secretary for border and immigration policy in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Meanwhile, Chadwick has in his corner former Congressman Randy Forbes and wife Shirley, outgoing Virginia Del. Baxter Ennis, Virginia Sen. Bill DeSteph, Vice Mayor John de Triquet, former Commonwealth's Attorney Nancy Parr, council members Amanda Newins and Daniel Whitaker and the Chesapeake firefighters' union. As for money in the race, Rosado boasts a more powerful war chest of $218,131 in campaign donations as of March 31. Among his biggest donations are $2,000 from New Craig's campaign committee, $1,000 from Historic Greenbrier Farms owner Kent Basnight and $5,000 from Collins Machine Works. Chadwick has received $75,664 in donations as of March 31, including a $4,743 loan from himself. Donations include $1,000 from Newins' campaign and $1,000 from her individually, $1,000 from Whitaker, $300 from Triquet and a $7,500 in-kind donation from DeSteph. Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133,
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
We know how to fix the biggest lie about Wisconsin's elections
Wisconsin has long been a battleground for political power, and its role in shaping the nation's future remains as critical as ever. As skepticism and partisan divisiveness continues dominating the discussion about elections, a recent poll from the bipartisan Democracy Defense Project highlights a potential path forward for restoring public trust in the state's election process. News story after news story about late night Milwaukee County reporting has given Wisconsin a black eye and it's time to manage our reputation problem. The reality is our state runs a tight ship throughout the election season and faith in election integrity is rising. With the 2024 and 2025 elections just behind us, the poll shows a strong majority of Wisconsinites, across party lines, favor allowing election officials to process absentee ballots one day earlier than current law permits, showing a desire to streamline election procedures and boost voter confidence. Seventy-six percent of voters support allowing election officials to begin the absentee ballot verification process a day before Election Day, though tabulating the results would still be held until the official counting begins. This reform would reduce delays, improve efficiency and could diminish the confusion and would eliminate the fallacy of insidious 'ballot dumps.' Opinion: We asked readers about wake boats on Wisconsin lakes. Here's what you said. The poll also showed improvement in voter confidence in election integrity. Public confidence in the handling of elections rose from 47% to 54%, accompanied by a shared belief in the importance of election workers. The poll found a 10-point increase in voters who see these individuals as 'important volunteers' in the democratic process. This increase was visible among Republicans and Independents, suggesting a broader acceptance of and appreciation for election workers as both parties work to increase their roles in election processes. Voters do remain uneasy which is why it's more important now than ever to take even the smallest step forward with popular reforms. Forty-eight percent of respondents were skeptical of election procedures in Milwaukee County, which has been a focal point for accusations of electoral irregularities. Early pre-processing will directly impact this perception. There have been calls in this state for reforms that follow a strictly partisan ideology. Resolutions including those from the recent Republican Party of Wisconsin convention send a message to voters and legislators that does not align with the values Wisconsin voters have shown in our poll. These resolutions drive an unfounded narrative when voters would prefer leaders come together instead of divide. The call for reform is clear: voters want their elections to be safe, transparent, efficient, and consistent. The proposal to begin pre-processing absentee ballots one day earlier and the push for standardized drop box rules are simple but important ways to address public concerns while reinforcing faith in the electoral system. Letters: Real issue behind need for retail lockboxes ignored. Don't make excuses. Leaders in Madison would be wise to act on these lessons. With an electorate that is increasingly united in its desire for reform, bipartisan cooperation will be crucial in continuing to restore confidence in the state's elections. The path forward is clear: it's time to act now to educate voters and bring before the next election marred by confusion and distrust. As we move closer to another election cycle, Wisconsin will yet again be in the headlines. Let's make sure it's because we took steps to increase confidence in our elections. The poll, by Tarrance Group and Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz and Associates, was conducted among 600 registered likely voters statewide, April 7 to 10. See the full poll as well as highlights. The Democracy Defense Project is a new organization led by a bipartisan group of former elected officials and leaders across Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin who will work to defend the transparency, safety, security and validity of our nation's electoral system. The Wisconsin board includes former Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, former Attorney General JB Van Hollen, former U.S. Representative Scott Klug and former Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin voter confidence grows despite 'ballot dump' lies | Opinion
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre leaves Democratic Party, claims ‘betrayal' in new book
Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is leaving the Democratic Party and promoting a new book expected to offer insight into her time serving under President Joe Biden. 'Independent,' Jean-Pierre's upcoming tome, vows to deliver a hard-hitting analysis of 'America's broken two-party system,' while urging readers to 'embrace life as Independents,' the Hachette Book Group announced Wednesday. A description of 'Independent' indicates Jean-Pierre elected to leave the Democratic Party — a decision she didn't take 'lightly' — after Biden dropped out of the presidential election and Trump returned to office. 'She takes us through the three weeks that led to Biden's abandoning his bid for a second term and the betrayal by the Democratic Party that led to his decision,' according to the publisher. Jean-Pierre is one of many associates who was close to the former president when whispers of his cognitive decline came to a head during a June 2024 debate in which the Democrat struggled to make sense. Biden left the race in July, with supporters and critics wondering if his inner circle had experienced similar lapses. Jean-Pierre posted a video on Instagram on Wednesday promoting her book. 'This book, 'Independent,' is about looking outside of boxes, not just always being in a partisan stance,' said the 50-year-old from Queens. Jean-Pierre was the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve as White House press secretary. She assumed the position after Jen Psaki left the Biden administration in 2022 for a high-profile gig with MSNBC. Prior to working with Biden, Jean-Pierre worked on both of President Barack Obama's winning campaigns and served as chief of staff for Kamala Harris during her vice presidential run. Her book will be released Oct. 21. _____
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre leaves Democratic Party, claims ‘betrayal' in new book
Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is leaving the Democratic Party and promoting a new book expected to offer insight into her time serving under President Joe Biden. 'Independent,' Jean-Pierre's upcoming tome, vows to deliver a hard-hitting analysis of 'America's broken two-party system,' while urging readers to 'embrace life as Independents,' the Hachette Book Group announced Wednesday. A description of 'Independent' indicates Jean-Pierre elected to leave the Democratic Party — a decision she didn't take 'lightly' — after Biden dropped out of the presidential election and Trump returned to office. 'She takes us through the three weeks that led to Biden's abandoning his bid for a second term and the betrayal by the Democratic Party that led to his decision,' according to the publisher. Jean-Pierre is one of many associates who was close to the former president when whispers of his cognitive decline came to a head during a June 2024 debate in which the Democrat struggled to make sense. Biden left the race in July, with supporters and critics wondering if his inner circle had experienced similar lapses. Jean-Pierre posted a video on Instagram on Wednesday promoting her book. 'This book, 'Independent,' is about looking outside of boxes, not just always being in a partisan stance,' said the 50-year-old from Queens. Jean-Pierre was the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve as White House press secretary. She assumed the position after Jen Psaki left the Biden administration in 2022 for a high-profile gig with MSNBC. Prior to working with Biden, Jean-Pierre worked on both of President Barack Obama's winning campaigns and served as chief of staff for Kamala Harris during her vice presidential run. Her book will be released Oct. 21.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Former Biden press secretary says she's no longer a Democrat
Former Biden press secretary says she's no longer a Democrat In her upcoming book, Jean-Pierre shares 'why Americans must step beyond party lines to embrace life as Independents.' Show Caption Hide Caption Biden speaks in public for first time since cancer diagnosis Former president Joe Biden delivered his first public speech at a Memorial Day event in Delaware since his cancer diagnosis was announced. WASHINGTON – Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary for President Joe Biden, has left the Democratic Party to become an independent, she writes in a new book that will be released this fall. In her upcoming book "Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines," Jean-Pierre shares "why Americans must step beyond party lines to embrace life as Independents," publisher Hachette Book Group says in a summary of the book released June 4. "Jean-Pierre didn't come to her decision to be an Independent lightly," the teaser for the book adds. "She takes us through the three weeks that led to Biden's abandoning his bid for a second term and the betrayal by the Democratic Party that led to his decision." More: Joe Biden 'optimistic' about treatment plan for Stage 4 prostate cancer Jean-Pierre's "Independent" is set to be released Oct. 21. It will add to the growing list of books on the Biden presidency written by White House reporters, including the recently released "Original Sin" by Jake Tapper of CNN and Alex Thompson of Axios that explores Biden's decline and initial decision to run for president in 2024. Jean-Pierre, who replaced Jen Psaki as Biden's press secretary, held the position from May 2022 to the end of Biden's term in January 2025. She was the first Black woman and first openly LGBTQ+ person to hold the high-profile position. More: Bill Clinton defends Biden on health reports: 'I never saw him that way' A veteran of Democratic politics, Jean-Pierre worked as chief public affairs officer for and as an NBC and MSNBC political analyst before joining the White House. She was regional political director for the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Obama-Biden administration and deputy battleground states director for President Barack Obama's 2012 reelection campaign. In her book, Jean-Pierre "urges all Americans to vote their values and maintain individuality within party lines," according to the publisher's description, and "defines what it means to be part of the growing percentage of our fractured electorate that is Independent. "As a history maker, veteran public servant, political analyst and independent thinker, she urges Americans to think outside of the blue-and-red box as we consider what's next to save our democracy, the book summary says. Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
