Hispanic Caucus tells Democrats to shape up
Politics
California Democratic Rep. Joe Baca and other Latino lawmakers in Washington are angry at fellow Democrats' treatment of issues like immigration.
LaFonzo rachal carter: ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE
May 17, 2008, 11:33PM
Hispanic Caucus tells Democrats to shape up
The lawmakers say comprehensive immigration bills are needed, soon
By RICHARD S. DUNHAM
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau
TOOLSEmail Get section feed
Print Recommend
Comments (7) Yahoo! Buzz
WASHINGTON — Rep. Joe Baca, chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, is steamed. Latinos have become a political "punching bag" this year, the California Democrat complained recently, attacked by "the misinformed" and "the misguided."
If you think he's talking about Republican presidential candidates and vocal immigration critics such as CNN's Lou Dobbs and Fox News' Bill O'Reilly, you'd be mistaken. The target of Baca's ire is the House Democratic leadership.
Baca and other Latino lawmakers on Capitol Hill are angry at their fellow Democrats — and they say they're not going to take it anymore.
They've held a press conference on the steps of a House office building to denounce their leadership's willingness to cater to immigration critics by holding hearings on enforcement measures proposed by endangered Democratic moderates.
They've threatened to block progress on immigration proposals backed by business interests and pushed by key Democrats, such as special visas for high-tech workers or agricultural help, unless leaders also move forward with comprehensive immigration legislation.
They've even accused their leadership of betraying bedrock Democratic principles.
"Today, my party wants to do what's easy, not what's right," said Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill.
'The frustration ... is real'
In a bid for anti-immigrant votes, Gutierrez says, his party is "betraying the Democrats' traditional fight for justice."
Lawmakers in the 20-member Hispanic Caucus know they are not going to get their political wish this year: another shot at comprehensive immigration legislation, something that died in the Senate last year. But they are frustrated that their party has not been aggressive at pushing back against the heated rhetoric of the Right.
"The frustration that you sense is real," said Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio, a caucus vice chairman."We allowed the opponents of comprehensive immigration reform to frame the debate."
Latino lawmakers are most upset about a proposal by conservative Democrat Heath Shuler, D-N.C., to step up border enforcement and tighten requirements forcing employers to verify the legal status of their workers. Republicans are trying to force House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who opposes Shuler's "Secure America through Verification and Enforcement" Act, to bring the measure to the House floor for a vote through a petition signed by 218 lawmakers.
Several dozen Democratic moderates, including Rep. Nick Lampson, D-Stafford, have angered the Hispanic caucus by signing the petition. In addition, Lampson has proposed legislation to double penalties against smugglers who bring criminals into the U.S.
Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, said he and other Hispanic lawmakers are tired of the Democratic leadership scheduling hearings on "piecemeal legislation" while ignoring comprehensive reform.
"We continue to have to deal with pointless political stunts and fear-mongering," Hinojosa said.
The political consequences of a Hispanic rebellion — if it occurs — could be significant.
If alienated Latinos stay home from the polls in November, it could cost Democrats dearly in closely contested local elections in Texas, Arizona and other states. And if Hispanics conclude that their party is no different on immigration than Republican presidential candidate John McCain — a longtime supporter of comprehensive reform— it could tip the balance to the GOP in presidential contests in swing states such as New Mexico, Nevada and Colorado.
To neutralize McCain's appeal to Latino voters, said Antonio Gonzalez, president of the William C. Velasquez Institute, a San Antonio-based think tank, Democrats need to make an effort this year to pass some sort of immigration measure that deals with issues other than enforcement.
"It doesn't have to be the whole enchilada," said Gonzalez. "It can be a down payment on immigration reform."
Not a top issue
Despite the fury in Washington, Andy Hernandez, a political science professor at the University of Texas-San Antonio, said immigration has not been a top issue for Hispanics so far this year.
Like other Americans, he said, Hispanics have been more focused on issues such as the economy, health care and the war in Iraq.
Hernandez said, however, the Democrats would be smart to approve some kind of reform that would distinguish them from Republicans.
"Do I think it will be a decisive issue for Latinos? No," said Hernandez. "Do I believe if (Democrats) get ahead of the issue and show some leadership, more so than McCain, it helps them in November? It is one more weight in favor of Democrats."
But Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, said immigration legislation of any sort is a longshot in this presidential and congressional election year.
"Nothing's going to happen" on immigration in 2008, Green said, "particularly in an even-numbered (election) year with the president on the ballot."
Due warning
Green, an associate member of the Hispanic Caucus, whose district has a Latino majority, said the caucus' criticism of Pelosi, D-Calif., was "like a shot across the bow."
He said Pelosi and her top lieutenants have received the message — and will heed it in 2009.
"The speaker and leadership know that you can't have enforcement-only," he said. "There has to be comprehensive (immigration) reform."
Chronicle reporter Bennett Roth contributed to this story.
richard.dunham@chron.com
"Down payment on Immigration Reform"@?$9&&&5$!!! This reminds me of an old cartoon which had a main line of "What are We ? Men or Mice ?
pause, then I like Chesse ". Ladies and Gentlemen , Welcome to your new Gutless Greed driven , Ego-Inflated Self Important Demorat Party.
Now if it ain't for the NAU of Bushco's. Someone tell me how a Hispanic Caucus can bully a major party in the U.S like this ? Is our country that dam weak now ? I'ld still pull their phone lines and turn off the power and say "S You ". BUDDY
