Woodbridge, Va. — There is more fallout today over Jeff Frederick declining to debate Tito Munoz in Spanish.
On Monday, Munoz’s campaign stated Frederick declined to debate the Columbian-immigrant in a Spanish-only debate despite the fact Frederick claims Hispanic decent. Munoz’s campaign went onto claim Frederick’s Dumfries-based IT business, GSX Strategies, benefited in dealings with the federal government by having the status of a disadvantaged, minority-owned business.
Frederick in a story on Insidenova.com denied any preferential treatment. Munoz’s campaign again on Tuesday issued another statement claiming GSX Strategies was awarded six contracts under a federal minority business program.
Frederick’s mother was born in Columbia, the same country Munoz emigrated to the U.S. from in 1971. Frederick was born in Fairfax County.
In lieu of a Spanish-speaking debate between both candidates in held in the Potomac Communities, Munoz proposed Tuesday that both candidates spar off in a debate on Spanish media, such as Univision, and let Hispanics ask questions of both candidates.
Frederick and Munoz, both running as Republicans for Virginia’s 36th Senate seat representing south Fairfax, eastern Prince William and portions of Stafford County, will face each other Aug. 23 in Virginia’s Republican Primary.
The winner and eventual Republican nominee will face democratic incumbent Toddy Puller.
