Dispute hurts Hispanic caucus, Grijalva says

The Associated Press
Published: 03.14.2007

U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva says he feels as if he were in a telenovela, a steamy, Spanish-language soap opera, as the Congressional Hispanic Caucus wrestles with a power struggle, complete with accusations of name-calling.
The group is squandering time on a "circus," the Arizona Democrat laments, and must "get back to the business we were elected to do."
Grijalva's frustration is shared by some other Latino lawmakers and advocates as infighting has snarled the 21-member, all-Democrat group just as its power should be at its peak.
Democrats finally are in control of Congress, the caucus represents the nation's fastest-growing minority group, immigration reform is a national priority, and many individual Hispanic lawmakers have risen to key leadership posts.
Yet the focus has been on Rep. Loretta Sanchez quitting the caucus and accusing fellow southern California Democrat Joe Baca, the group's chairman, of calling her a "whore."
Still, analysts see the struggle as evidence that members now have real power to fight over.
Most experts said the dispute will prove a temporary distraction as the caucus, which started in 1976 with five members, expands along with the growth of the Hispanic community.
"There's some growing pains that you're seeing here, but I think it's all, in the end, going to be a positive outcome and positive for the Hispanic community," Janet Murguia, president of the National Council for La Raza, said Monday.
"With them having been so long in the minority . . . I think they've kind of been out of practice in leveraging their voice," she said.
Latinos comprise nearly 15 percent of the U.S. population, although they accounted for about 8 percent of the electorate in the 2004 presidential election, according to exit polls.
Many are noncitizens, making them ineligible to vote.
There are 23 Hispanics in the 435-member House, according to the House clerk, a count that includes three Republicans from Florida who aren't in the Hispanic Caucus but excludes three lawmakers of Portuguese descent, including two Democratic caucus members.
In the Senate there are three Hispanics.
The Hispanic Caucus was formed by then-Democratic Rep. Edward Roybal of Los Angeles to give Latino lawmakers a voice in the model of the Congressional Black Caucus, which was founded in 1969 and now has 43 members.
The Hispanic Caucus jumped in size when congressional districts were redrawn after each Census, more than doubling to about 12 members in 1982 and growing to 19 members in 1992, according to National Council of La Raza.
Analysts expect more growth after the 2010 census.
The most recent dispute has been undeniably public and colorful, partly because of the personalities involved.
Loretta Sanchez, whose sister Rep. Linda Sanchez is also a Democratic House member from southern California, has figured in her share of political dramas.
During the 2000 Democratic convention in Los Angeles, Loretta Sanchez planned a fundraiser at the Playboy mansion, moving it only after criticism from party leaders.
Baca denies calling Sanchez a whore.
Sanchez said she won't rejoin the caucus as long as he remains chairman.
Baca insisted he won't step aside or share power.

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