DNC Hispanic Caucus Votes Overwhelmingly to Endorse Dean

As published on DFA's

The members of the Hispanic Caucus of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) voted overwhelmingly today to officially endorse Gov. Howard Dean for Chair of the national Democratic Party. The endorsement is the first from any DNC caucus to be granted and guarantees Gov. Dean at least 35 of the 45 votes in the caucus. Nine caucus members were unavailable to participate in the deliberations and voting, which took place via conference call today.

"Gov. Dean has proven himself to be a terrific fundraiser and he has the character and stature to speak for the Democratic Party," said Sen. Iris Martinez, Illinois General Assembly member and Secretary of the Hispanic caucus, "most importantly, Gov. Dean understands that rolling back the advances Republicans have made among the Hispanic electorate will be critical to not just winning back the White House but also to keeping crucial states in the Democratic column."

Governor Dean has a unique perspective on building the grassroots as demonstrated in his organization, Democracy for America and his presidential campaign. As governor, Dean created a record based on fiscally conservative principles while promoting equality and opportunity for all the citizens of Vermont. In extending its vote of confidence to Gov. Dean, the Hispanic Caucus expects Gov. Dean to use his energy, creativity and boldness to assist the Caucus and the Party to move the Hispanic community into becoming a solid base for our democratic agenda.

"Our decision today exemplifies the type of leadership we will exercise to help Chairman Dean reach out to the Hispanic community which will be the most critical voting bloc in every election in the foreseeable future," said Sen. Martinez.

DNC Hispanic Caucus Members Endorsing Gov. Howard Dean:

Steven K. Alari, Dr. Celita Arroyo de Roques, Cathy Bartolotti, Tonio Burgos, Luisette Cabanas, Linda Chavez-Thompson, Alvaro Cifuentes, Maria Echaveste, Edward Espinoza, Norma Fisher Flores, Nely Galan, Alexandra Gallardo Rooker, Maria Garcia, Carmen Gonzalez, Teresa Krusor, Dr. Miguel D. Lausell Esq., Debbie Marquez, Hon. Iris Y. Martinez, Hon. Ramona Martinez, Hon. Antonio Villaraigosa, Raul Martinez, Hon. Kenneth McClintock, Hon. Gloria Molina, Gloria Nieto, John A. Perez, Hon. Roberto L. Prats, Hon. Roberto Ramirez, Joe Rios, Lula Rodriguez, Mannie Rodriguez, Mirian Saez, Annadelle Sanchez, Hon. Oscar Soliz, Alexis Tameron, Hon. Art Torres, Norma Torres, Steven Ybarra
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(Click for a Spanish language version of this article.)

Editor's Note: Notice the two names in boldface on this list. Both are voting members of the DNC from New Mexico. If you'd like to send a note of thanks to Gloria Nieto and Annadelle Sanchez, here is their contact info:

Gloria Nieto
1451 Santa Cruz
Santa Fe, NM  87505
505-474-7602
Glorianieto@comcast.net

Annadelle Sanchez
920 Denton ST
Espanola, NM 87532
505-753-4869

Also good to remember: Several other Hispanic members of the DNC from New Mexico are not on this list of Dean endorsements: Raymond Sanchez, Gov. Bill Richardson and Attorney General Patricia Madrid. The official election for DNC Chair will take place on February 12th. It will be interesting to see if these three vote for Dean then, despite not endorsing him now. I recall that Madrid was originally a supporter of Martin Frost, who dropped out of the race yesterday. No word on who Sanchez and Richardson are supporting.