When they look at the current Supreme Court vacancy, Hispanic political leaders see a perfect opportunity for the first-ever Latino justice: a sitting president who has declared his commitment to diversity; a Republican Party eager to build on the gains it made among Latino voters; and a number of high-profile Hispanic candidates -- one of whom is a friend of President Bush.
Expectations are so high, Latino leaders say, they will be deeply disappointed with Bush if he does not select a Hispanic for the vacancy. But if Bush appoints a Latino who is conservative, Democrats and moderate Republicans could feel pressured to go along with the pick, even if they don't agree with the nominee's views. "Folks feel it's our time," said Larry Gonzales, spokesman for the National Association of Latino Elected Officials.
If another vacancy occurs as anticipated and Bush has the opportunity to name two justices, "it puts the possibility of a Hispanic nominee at 100 percent," he said.
Al Cardenas is Chairman of Romney for President's Hispanic Steering Committee. I got the following email from the campaign. Boston, MA – Al Cardenas, the Chairman of Romney for President's National Hispanic Steering Committee, issued the following statement regarding tonight's Democrat presidential forum on Univision: "Tonight's Univision forum demonstrated once again the consequences that a President Clinton, President Obama or President Edwards would have on the Hispanic community. Whether it's tax increases for families and the two million Hispanic business owners, socialist-style health care, coddling dictators, opposing free trade with our allies or putting family values last, the Democrat presidential candidates made clear how out of sync their policies are with the best interests of the Hispanic community. Mitt Romney has put in the effort to reach out to this vital bloc, and, after watching tonight's debate
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