The Anti-Defamation League today called on all candidates for local and state offices and their supporters to keep hateful, offensive messaging out of political campaigns.

“Appealing to voters along religious or racial lines, highlighting a candidate’s sexual orientation, or employing stereotypes to describe candidates, is divisive and contrary to the American ideal of encouraging all people to be included in the political process,” said Bruce H. DeBoskey, ADL Mountain States Regional Director. “This is especially the case when hateful rhetoric is used. We encourage Colorado’s voters to make their decisions based on their assessment of the qualifications, integrity and political positions of candidates.”

“ADL condemns any racist or bigoted statements made in the context of political campaigns and urges Colorado candidates and voters alike to take a strong stand against such rhetoric wherever it is used.”