"Ching chang": state rep says opponent yelled racist comments on election day

DETROIT (WJBK) - "Ching chang" and "ching chong". Those are the words that a Michigan representative said she heard while she went to vote in the Michigan Primary and she said they came from her opponent's volunteer team.

Representative Stephanie Chang says when voters went to cast their votes on election day for state senate district 1, volunteers from her opponent, Representative Bettie Cook Scott, were yelling racist comments. 

"She told one of my volunteers that, basically, she called her an immigrant and told her to go back to her country," Chang said.

She said the comments were also made to her African American husband.

"She also said some comments to my husband earlier in the day and to other campaigns that basically insinuated that black Americans should not be supporting Asians who are coming here to take over the community,"

She said it wasn't just the volunteers, however. She said Scott told voters to vote for her by invoking a very racist tone.

"Vote for her not for that ching chong," she said.

FOX 2 placed calls to Representative Scott and her attorney. As of 6 p.m. Friday, neither has responded directly. Scott's attorney sent out a tweet that included a statement from Scott.

"I deeply regret those comments I made that have proven hurtful to so many. I apologize to Representative Chang."

The comments didn't sway many voters as Chang won the race with 49% of the vote. Scott got just over 11% of the vote and came in third place.

Plans are underway for a meeting between Scott and Rep. Chang

"I'm glad they reached out. I would like to hear what she has to say in person. What I think is most important is that she interacts directly with leaders for the Asian American community who put out the call for her apology," Chang said.

The meeting is set for next Thursday at 2 pm and is not open to the media. Chang says she hopes this opens a door to respect and understanding.