In a recent development, Esther Kim Varet, a Democratic candidate for California's congressional seat, has intensified her racially charged attack against her Republican opponent, Rep.
Young Kim.
The three-term lawmaker's accent was described as "so embarrassing" by Kim Varet, a statement that has drawn significant criticism from Republican quarters.
Kim Varet, who is among a multitude of candidates seeking to unseat Rep. Kim in Orange County, California, during the upcoming midterm elections, has faced backlash for her offensive remarks. She labeled her GOP adversary a "Judas" to the Korean-American community and ridiculed Rep. Kim for speaking English as a second language. Despite widespread condemnation of her inflammatory comments,
Kim Varet has not retracted her statements, which have been perceived as an attack on Rep. Kim's immigrant background. Instead, she attributed her initial post to her inexperience as a political candidate and her candid personality.
In a statement on Instagram, Kim Varet acknowledged, I will be the first to admit that as a first time candidate, Im sloppy. I am not a politician. She further added, I wear my heart on my sleeve and I lack a filter. I'm trying my best, guys.
According to WND, Kim Varet continued her offensive against Rep. Kim on Instagram, labeling her a Korean Judas. Kim Varet, herself the child of Korean immigrants, has derided Rep. Kims accent and referred to the South Korea-born lawmaker as an ESL puppet, alluding to the English as a second language program for non-native English speakers.
Rep. Kim immigrated to the United States from South Korea with her family when she was 12 years old.
In a scathing Instagram post, Kim Varet criticized Rep. Kim's support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating, Youre a power-hungry Korean-born immigrant that has sold your conscience to the devilat the price of all hard-working immigrants. You dont work hard, you and your husband are the biggest GRIFTERS representing the swampputrid and pussing from the rot that is your soul.
Kim Varet's post, which also included the statement, You dont even speak English well enough to hold a single cohesive argument. You ESL puppet. So embarrassing. A real life Judas to our community, remained live on her Instagram account as of Friday morning.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the campaign arm of House Republicans, condemned Kim Varet as a vile extremist who will be rejected by California voters. Christian Martinez, an NRCC spokesperson, stated, Unhinged Democrat Esther Kim Varet is a hate-filled bigot who embodies the worst of todays political discourse. Californians will reject this vile extremist who has no business representing them in Congress.
Despite the NRCC's call for two California House Democrats to denounce Kim Varet's racially charged comments, she persisted in her attack on Rep. Kims immigrant status. In a now-deleted Instagram post, Kim Varet wrote, And I stand by my assessment of @repyoungkims English skills. Prove me wrong. She also suggested that Martinez was not a REAL latino for his efforts to elect Republicans.
In response to these attacks, Rep. Kim defended her immigrant background and accent, stating to the Daily Caller News Foundation, My story is not unique its the story of so many Korean Americans and immigrants across the country who are proud Americans and are making our communities better every day. Im proud of my accent and will keep using my voice to protect the American Dream for future generations.
Kim Varet, an art dealer with several galleries in the United States and South Korea, appears to be a strong contender in the crowded primary, with approximately $1.3 million in campaign funds, according to recent Federal Election Commission filings. Rep. Kim, on the other hand, ended the second quarter with nearly $4 million cash-on-hand. The Cook Political report rates the contest in Californias 40th Congressional District as Lean Republican.
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