Scott Fistler, GOP Candidate Who Changed Name To César Chávez, Says Inspiration Came From Dog Food Brand

Earlier this month, it was reported that Scott Fistler, a former GOP candidate, had changed his name to César Chávez in an attempt to win more votes in the heavily Hispanic 7th Congressional District of Arizona. According to the Arizona Capitol Times, Chávez also switched parties -- from Republican to Democrat -- in his third attempt to get a seat in Congress.

Now, in an interview with azcentral.com, the former Republican revealed his real inspiration behind his name change -- and it has nothing to do with the former Mexican American civil rights leader. His real inspiration? Sports, the easy pronunciation and dog food.

“You wanna know what? No, it has nothing to do with him [the real César Chávez],” said Fistler-turned-Chávez. “‘Cause you know what? He’s been dead for like 20 years, people. And you know what? I’m not dead.”

Ironically, despite mispronouncing his new surname during the interview -- he reportedly placed the accent on the last syllable instead of the first -- Chávez asserted that one of the driving forces behind his name change was for a "short" and "easy to pronounce" name. Additionally, he added that he was inspired by sports stars with the surname and his the dog food brand that he serves.

While the failed politician cites other inspiration for his name change, his website features all kinds of propaganda from politicians with the same surname, including that of Venezuela's Hugo Chavez.