Democrats go after Hispanic vote

Erin Neff

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2000 | 11:28 a.m.

Claiming Republican policies have been harmful to Hispanics, former Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros on Monday evening urged the Hispanic community to vote Democrat.

"This election is not about personality," Cisneros told about 75 people gathered at Halle Hewetson Elementary School. "This is not about who can speak a few words of Spanish."

Instead, Cisneros said, Hispanics should consider the November election for president a personal rallying cry on the issues of immigration, a minimum wage increase, public schools and prescription drugs.

"You're here because we're talking about things that are going to affect our children in the future," he said, first in English and then more directly and effectively, in Spanish.

The rally, organized by the state Democratic Party and local Hispanic leaders, was designed to register Hispanics to vote and support candidates such as Ed Bernstein for the Senate, along with Rep. Shelley Berkeley and Vice President Al Gore.

As the first Hispanic mayor of a major U.S. city (San Antonio) and former president of Univision Communications, Cisneros is highly regarded by Hispanics. Democratic organizers hoped Cisneros could turn some of the respect he garners toward the local candidates.

"It's another national figure coming here to talk to us," said John Medina of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus. "It creates an enthusiasm in the community."

Cisneros held a private roundtable with Hispanic leaders Monday morning to discuss political issues and the upcoming November elections.

"He has everybody's respect," said Fernando Romero, president of Hispanics in Politics. "For him to come and speak in both languages and the fact that he spoke so highly of Ed Bernstein and Shelley Berkeley is wonderful."

Almalinda Guerrero, president of the Clark County Latino Employer Association, said she believes Hispanics will prove the difference in this election.

"The Hispanics have been very quiet, and this is the first time that their voice is really being heard," Guerrero said. "If the Democratic Party does pay attention to the community, they'll win."