Latino Leaders to Play Active Role in 2008 Presidential Politics

Latinos Speak - Democratic National Convention Week in Denver
“I am so honored to play a role like my idols, Barbara Jordan and Ann Richards, did so many years ago, ” Texas state Sen. Leticia Van De Putte, a convention co-chair.

…“There’s work to be done ... to solidify the [Latino] community and excite them to come out to vote” for Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama . Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.)

“John McCain may pay hundreds of dollars for his shoes, but we'll all be paying for his flip-flops. ” New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson

“I know, and you know, that immigrants come to our great nation to work the hardest jobs, for the longest hours, for the lowest pay -- all because they believe in what makes us Americans. That if you work hard, you'll get ahead. That you put your family first. That to succeed all you need is an opportunity.” Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.)

“The overwhelming support Latinos gave to Hillary Clinton was a vote for Hillary Clinton and not a vote against Barack Obama…In three national polls, Barack Obama is leading McCain by an average of 35 points, so Latinos are getting behind Barack Obama.” Los Angles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (Dallas Morning News)

“Latinos don't necessarily need a Latino candidate to support a ticket. In fact, look at Bill Richardson. He didn't win among Latinos in the primaries. Hillary won among Latinos. She showed you don't need to have a Latino at the top to excite Latinos. Barack Obama will excite Latinos, too. His poll numbers among Latinos are now between 58 and 68 percent.” State Rep. Rafael Anchía (Dallas)

“Hispanics now outnumber blacks in the USA, but they were practically invisible during the Democratic Convention in Denver. Only one speaker during the primetime slots was Hispanic, and he did not speak to Hispanic issues.” Amitai Etzioni is Professor of sociology at The George Washington University

“This election demonstrates that Latino voters have become a permanent element of the political landscape,” said Arturo Vargas, executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials. “You don’t need the majority of the vote. You just need a significant share.” (Dallas Morning News)
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Obama Campaign Announces National Latino Advisory Council HispanicBusiness.com ,August 19, 2008

The Obama Campaign announced the formation of its National Latino Advisory Council. The advisory council is made up of key labor, faith, community leaders, and elected officials from across the country and will serve as an advisory council for the campaign on issues important to the Hispanic community as well as play an active role reaching out and organizing Latinos in their communities and across the country.

National Latino Advisory Council Members
• Federico Peña, Chair, National Hispanic Advisory Council, Former Mayor of Denver
and Former Secretary of Transportation, National Obama Campaign Co-Chair
• Geoconda Arguello-Kline, President, Nevada Culinary Workers Union
• Congressman Xavier Becerra
• Adolfo Carrión, Bronx Borough President
• Henry Cisneros, Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Bishop Wilfredo De Jesús, Vice President of Social Justice, National Hispanic
Christian Leadership Conference
• Congressman Charlie González
• Congressman Raúl Grijalva
• Congressman Luis Gutiérrez
• Ambassador Luis Lauredo, Former Ambassador to the Organization of American States
• Patricia Madrid, Former Attorney General of New Mexico
• Eliseo Medina, Executive Vice President, Service Employees International Union
• Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez
• Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis
• Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez

"Latino voters will play a pivotal role in the November election," said Council Chair, Federico Peña. "The members of the advisory council bring a breadth of knowledge, experience and leadership and will provide important guidance to Senator Obama and our campaign about how to most effectively reach Latino voters. Senator Obama has earned a strong lead among Latino voters, but he isn't taking a single vote for granted. Latino voters are already seeing the contrast between Senator McCain's campaign of the past and exchanging principle for political expedience, and Senator Obama's campaign of change, hope, and opportunity."

A recent Pew Hispanic Center Poll had Senator Obama leading amongst Hispanic registered voters by 66 percent to McCain's 23 percent. The Obama campaign is focusing on winning the support of Latinos throughout the country and in particular in the key battleground states of New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado and Florida where Latinos comprise a large percentage of the voting population.

Recently, the Democratic National Committee and the Obama campaign committed an unprecedented $20 million to engage and mobilize Hispanic voters for the November election. This money will include voter registration, paid advertising, staffing and mail, in an effort to promote engagement and mobilization among Hispanic voters and build on already overwhelming support from this key group of voters for the Democratic Party and Senator Obama.

Source: HispanicBusiness.com (c) 2008. All rights reserved.
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Big Name Players Also Support John McCain

•Congresswoman Lleana Ros-Lehtinen
•Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart
•Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart
•Congressman Luis Fortuno
•Florida Speaker Marco Rubio

U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.) and Rosario Marin, California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Treasurer of the United States are expected to have major speaking roles at the 2008 Republican National Convention.

"As the first Hispanic woman elected to the United States Congress, I know first-hand the inspiration John McCain has provided to all Latinos. He is a patriot who strongly believes in the values that are important to our community." Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

"John McCain recognizes the value and contributions Hispanics have made in America. He is someone who has always put this country first, and that’s why he has my full support. The support of this coalition reflects his deep commitment to our community. " Senator Mel Martinez

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