A big-name Republican fundraiser at a home in Chevy Chase on Wednesday brought out about 100 protestors organized by a local Latino and immigrant organization.
Susan Neely, president of the American Beverage Association (the soft drink industry lobby) hosted the event at her home on Curtis Street to raise money for the campaign of New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez. CASA de Maryland showed up with a group banging pots and pans that temporarily blocked the road.
The group’s target wasn’t Martinez — though it made it clear it’s not a big fan of her. CASA instead distributed signs with the face of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a special guest at the fundraiser and the man who advocates have blamed for stalling immigration reform in the House.
“We are visiting Chevy Chase to let you know there is a problem in the neighborhood. A serious problem,” read the flyer CASA organizers distributed to neighbors walking their dogs, or those curious as to what was causing the noise.
“No one in Chevy Chase is confused about how critical it is to resolve the immigration crisis. You may be an immigrant yourself, or your firm may be filled with extraordinarily talented immigrants struggling to bring their spouses here,” read the flyer, titled Know Thy Neighbor. “Your children may be cherished by immigrant nannies and your yard may sparkle through the talent of immigrant gardeners. In Chevy Chase, we see the contributions of immigrants in our community and the devastating impact that the deportation of a beloved family member may have on their lives.”
