"If a Latino man is targeted for beating because he is dating a white woman, that is a hate crime and it should be prosecuted as a felony," said [Cheryl A. Jacques], who serves in the state Senate with [Stephen F. Lynch]. "(Lynch) chose to defend, free of charge, thugs who brought violence and hate to their community."

Lynch said he eventually supported the hate crimes bill, and accused Jacques, already tied to a deceiving poll, of more campaign misinformation.