Two state Senate candidates, one proposed debate in a second language

Being fluent in Spanish isn't a requirement to serve in the General Assembly, but it appears to be an issue in the Republican nomination contest for the 36th state Senate District in northern Virginia.

Republican state Senate candidate Tito "The Builder" Munoz Thursday challenged fellow GOP contender Jeff Frederick to a Spanish-language debate, calling it a chance to address Latino voters in their native tongue.

“Since we have two Hispanic candidates for the Republican nomination, what better opportunity is there to reach out to our growing population?" Munoz said in a press statement issued in English and Spanish.

Frederick campaign manager Mick Bransfield questioned the utility of such a debate, but didn't entirely reject the idea.

"We're waiting for them to contact us with the offer," he said Thursday afternoon, noting "it's kind of crazy to have a debate in Spanish when the General Assembly conducts its business in English."

Although the two Republican candidates have already faced-off at other forums, Bransfield said "Jeff will debate anyone, anytime, anywhere."

Both Munoz and Frederick claim Columbian heritage.

Munoz is a conservative activist who was born in the South American country and became a naturalized American citizen 2008.

Frederick is a former chairman of the Virginia GOP; his mother is Columbian.

The Republican nominee will be selected in an Aug. 23 primary contest. The victor will face incumbent Sen. Linda "Toddy" Puller, D-Fairfax County, in the November general election.

-- Julian Walker

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