The Italian American One Voice Coalition is calling out New Jersey Assembly candidate Romi Herrera for using offensive Mafia-related stereotypes in his latest campaign statement. Herrera maligns certain individuals as those “…who follow the lead of old white Italian men….” and for “…kissing the ring…” - a phrase unmistakably linked to the portrayal of mob bosses in Hollywood’s countless gangster flicks.

“Here we go again,” said Andre’ DiMino, President of IAOVC. “These comments are not just disgraceful – they are lazy, cliched, and insulting to millions of hard-working Italian Americans. Shame on Mr. Herrera for resorting to these offensive tropes!”