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Some Latinos say they've been betrayed by Obama

By Leah Hope
October 4, 2006 - Senator Barack Obama has enjoyed a broad cross section of support among those supporting the senator many Latino-Americans. But now some say they have been betrayed by the senator with -- it seems -- higher political aspirations.

The immigration march that brought about 100,000 people through downtown Chicago last spring also got the attention of local politicians. March organizers say afterwards they met with Senator Barack Obama privately, where they say he promised to support to immigration rights and even participated in the next immigration rally. But now some say the senator has turned his back on the Mexican-American community.
"This is a slap in the face of the Mexican community and the Latino community," said Carlos Arango, Casa Aztlan.

"My contribution is going to be to finally take the liberal mask off Barack Obama and show him for who is at this point. He is an enemy of our community," said Omar Lopez, Institute of Mexicans Abroad.

Latino leaders held a news conference Wednesday to air their anger and frustration with the senator. At issue, President Bush signed into law Wednesday that would allow the federal government to build a fence along the US-Mexico border.

Senator Obama voted for the bill.

"This step I think it makes the most difficult situation and nobody in the Latino community will forget about it," said Esther Sciammarella, Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition.

"It's only to appease people in their own districts, they can get re-elected, but it doesn't solve the problem of immigration," said Guillermo Gomez, Mexican Political Organization.

Senator Obama was in Peoria Wednesday to rally support for the Democratic State Candidate. He defends his vote and his support for immigration reform.

"I have been a strong supporter of comprehensive immigration reform, but we have to have control of our borders, and I don't think those two things are mutually exclusive," said Sen. Barack Obama, Democrat.

Some say they will remember this vote the next time Obama is on the ballot.

"I'm sad because I live in his neighborhood. I will not vote for Senator Obama in the next election. I will not vote for him if he even considers to be a president," said Carmen Rocha, Alivio Medical Center.

As evidence of testing the presidential waters, Senator Obama has visited Iowa twice in two weeks. Iowa traditionally opens the presidential nominating season. But the folks upset by his border vote say they withdraw support for the senator now and in the future.