Thread: Leaders court Latino voters

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Republican, Democratic leaders court Latino voters at convention
By Greg J. Borowski

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

(MCT)

MILWAUKEE - Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean harshly condemned Republicans on the immigration issue Wednesday and called on Hispanic voters to help put his party back in power this fall.

In a speech at the national convention of the League of United Latin American Citizens, meeting this week in downtown Milwaukee, Dean accused Republicans of "scapegoating" illegal immigrants.

"They're trying to do to immigrants what they did to gay and lesbian Americans in 2004, and that is wrong," Dean said. "Being an American means standing up for what is right. Immigrant bashing and scapegoating of any American is wrong, and we won't do it."

The comments opened a day of politics and fund raising for Dean in Milwaukee. Later, he attended a fund-raiser for the state Democratic Party at the Holiday Inn City Centre expected to draw up to 300 people and raise about $10,000.

Dean's luncheon speech to several thousand convention delegates received scattered applause at various points. His Republican counterpart, Ken Mehlman, was scheduled to speak Tuesday but could not make the trip because of flooding in the New York City area.

Rick Wiley, executive director of the state Republican Party, termed the remarks as "reckless, typical Howard Dean."

Immigration reform has been a hot topic in Washington, D.C., where the House and Senate have been unable to come to an agreement on a bill. Dean said that stalemate has blocked measures to improve border security that everyone supports.

President George Bush has moved to station military troops at the border. Meanwhile, the legislation is temporarily stalled in Washington. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner Jr., R-Wis., the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, favors a measure considered tougher than what has passed the Senate.

"Everyone should be for strong, secure borders," Wiley said. Noting that Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed a bill that would have barred illegal immigrants from getting welfare benefits, Wiley added, "It seems to me Democrats are pandering toward illegal immigrants."

Doyle was to attend the Dean fund-raiser Wednesday, as well as host a reception for convention delegates. The convention continues this week at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee.

Speakers scheduled today include U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao. On Friday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson are to speak.

In his 12-minute speech Wednesday, Dean said the Democratic Party's values match those of Hispanic voters, adding that the party would focus on honest government, a strong defense, maintaining American jobs and improving health care in the campaigns this fall.

"We will do better than (Republicans) will if you give us a chance," said Dean, the former Vermont governor who ran for president in 2004.

Wiley, of the state GOP, said, "The values of the Hispanic community - they value family, they value jobs and things like that - are in line with the platform of the Republican Party."
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/ne ... 925243.htm


Hey, Dean.....it's Illegal.....idiot!

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean harshly condemned Republicans on the immigration issue Wednesday and called on Hispanic voters to help put his party back in power this fall.

In a speech at the national convention of the League of United Latin American Citizens, meeting this week in downtown Milwaukee, Dean accused Republicans of "scapegoating" illegal immigrants.

I am a little "fed up" with politician acting as though the latino vote is the golden fleece. I don't care if they are Democrat or Republican, if they pander for the vote of "illegals" that are registering to vote, without the right to vote, they should be thrown out of office.
In my opinion, every election in a heavily illegal populated area that goes to pro amnesty candidates should be protested.