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MAKING THE NEWS THIS WEEK

As the hour approaches when GOP candidate Mitt Romney will announce his running mate for VP, two Hispanics continue to receive prominent mention. Romney invites Marco Rubio to tour Texas with him this week while New Mexico Gov. Susana Martnez to is selected to address the Republican National Convention this month...Democrat Party leaders announce that San Antonio Mayor Julin Castro will deliver the Sept. 4 party keynote at its 2012 convention in Charlotte,N.C... Astronaut Jos Hernndez, now running as a Democrat against U.S. House incumbent Jeff Denham (R), in Central California, is among runners who carried the Olympic torch across Britain in the Games opening ceremonies... Peru replaces Colombia as the worlds leading cocaine distributor, says the White House ...Jared Lee Loughner agrees to a sentence of life-without-parole in the killings of six people and wounding of U.S. Congress member Gabrielle Giffords (D- Ariz.)... Lawyers for George Zimmerman, who shot Trayvon Martin, say he will use a Florida stand your ground defense in fighting murder charges.

Vol. 30 No. 15

Aug. 10, 2012

Your News Source for 30 Years

The more politics change, the more they stay the same in the Lone Star State
By Jim Lamare With the votes in Texas July 31st runoff primaries now counted, composition of the states Hispanic congressional delegation is coming more into focus. Barring a major upset by his Democratic opponent Paul Sadler, Cuban-American Republican Ted Cruz will become Texas first Hispanic U.S. senator on Nov. 6. (See lead story.) Before 2010, six Texas Latinos served in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 2010 census counted a 42% growth in the states Hispanic population. They accounted for nearly two-thirds of the 4.2 million new Texans enumerated.

Ted Cruz: Will He Bridge the Arroyo Separating Latinos & Republicans?
By Dennis Valera
Cuban American Ted Cruz became a political rock star with his upset victory in the GOPs U.S. Senate primary runoff in Texas. With the Tea Party members newfound popularity, his candidacy raises the question: will he help patch the existing rocky relations between Hispanics and Republicans? Cruz, 41, became an overnight GOP sensation when he defeated Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst for the Republican nomination. The seat opened when Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison announced her retirement. In November, he faces Democrat Paul Sadler. I dont think its if hes going to be elected. Its he is going to be elected, said Reggie Gonzles, chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assemblys Texas chapter. Nearly all political analysts in the GOP-controlled state agree. State party chair Steve Munisteri adds Cruz beat a much-better-known and financed Dewhurst, 56% to 44%. Hes going to energize our base and help turn out votes. Hes just a very dynamic candidate. Cruz served as state Solicitor General under Gov. Rick Perry between 2003 and 2008. If elected, Cruz could join two current Hispanic Senate members, Republican Marco Rubio of Florida, whose term expires in 2016, and Democrat Robert Menndez of New Jersey, who is favored to win reelection in November. All are of Cuban descent. If you ask political analyst Arnold Torres if a Cruz victory changes anything, youll get a sharp no. Speaking with the Hispanic Link
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NO HISPANIC GAIN
Four seats were added to the states congressional delegation. Furious fights were fought both in the state legislature and federal courts over redistricting plans that some thought would reflect the surge in the Hispanic population. After redistricting, the House will have exactly the same number of Hispanics come Nov. 6. Because of demographic patterns and/or partisan gerrymandering, the general election will be won by incumbent Democrats Rubn Hinojosa and Henry Cullar, Republican incumbent Bill Flores and Democratic newcomer Filemn Vela. They will be joined by either Democrat Joaqun Castro or Republican David Rosa and either incumbent Republican Francisco Quico Canseco or his Democratic challenger Peter Gallego. Only one of the four new congressional seats established by the legislature and the courts will be filled by a Hispanic. Eight-term incumbent Silvestre Reyes was defeated 50.5%-44.3% in the Democratic primary by non-Hispanic Robert ORourke, even though Reyes outspent his opponent $1.1 million to $410,000. ORourke was allowed to add his Spanish nickname Beto on the ballot in the heavily Hispanic 16th District.

Latino Journalists Try to Leave Troubles Behind


By Luis Carlos Lpez
LAS VEGAS, Nev. After a few years confronting mounting debt and internal conflicts, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists has a new president, ESPN coordinating producer Hugo Balta, and a new board of directors. But the tenor between NAHJs board and its members has left a once-prominent national institution with scattered leadership and scars. The new board, suggests one veteran member of the 28-year-old organization, should heed Abe Lincolns warning that a house divided cannot stand. Following this years UNITY convention in Las Vegas, where big winners and losers celebrate and commiserate daily, 2,300 Latino, Asian, Native American and Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) journalists gathered Aug. 1-4. Balta, who outpolled Associated Press reporter Russell Contreras, 154-95, said he was anxious to work with all members who believed in the organization. It is imperative for me to surround myself with people who are supportive, but also people who are going to be constructively critical in order for me to continue to grow and to benefit all NAHJ members, he told Weekly Report. NAHJs internal scuffle was overshadowed by an elephant in the room and a similar story line. After a 20-year partnership, the National Association of Black Journalists withdrew from UNITY last year. Its president, Gregory Lee, told Village Voice blogger Steven Thrasher that NABJs decision to quit UNITY
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Hispanics Embraced by Republican Electorate Munisteri


(continued from page 1)

News Service, he recalls when an unprecedented nine Hispanic Republican newcomers won high state and federal offices in 2010 two as governors, one as lieutenant governor, five to the U.S. House of Representatives and one to the U.S. Senate. None of these individuals began any kind of movement to improve the tone, the dialogue, the words, the positions of the Republican Party with regard to Hispanics. Ted Cruz is not going to change that. Rep. Ral Labrador of Idaho became even more of a Tea Party than the Tea Party. Throughout his campaign, Cruz has been described as unapologetic with his conservative views. He declared last month that if hes elected, he would try to repeal the presidents Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. He has also openly opposed the DREAM Act. Regardless of what happens, Torres says Cruz will change the minds of some Hispanics because they are looking for anything thats Hispanic in the Republican Party and they will be thankful for anything. RNHAs Gonzles tells Hispanic Link that Cruz would be a damn fool if he doesnt

seek the opportunity to advance the Republican Partys relationship with the Hispanic community. Hes not representing all of the people if he doesnt. Texas Democratic Party chair Gilberto Hinojosa counters Torres. Hispanics are not foolish. They understand politics, they understand whos with them and whos not. [Cruzs] position on Hispanic issues is probably the most extreme of any Republican candidate that weve seen up to now. In a December 2011 poll conducted by impreMedia and Latino Decisions, 46% of Hispanics surveyed said they believe Republicans dont care too much about them and 27% said they believe Republicans are hostile. GOP state chair Munisteri says hes positive Hispanics will cast their ballots for Cruz. Weve elected more Hispanics to statewide offices than Democrats, and Hispanics have been candidates and embraced by the Republican electorate. The Tea Partys main function is to promote fiscal responsibility and to address the debt crisis. Addressing the debt crisis helps the Hispanic community just as it helps everybody else. Cruz was born in Calgary, Canada, to a

Cuban father and Irish-American mother, from whom he derives his U.S. citizenship. His family moved to Houston before he started school. He is currently on vacation with his family. Hispanic Link has requested an interview with him when he returns.

Quoting...
When my father came over here penniless (from Cuba) with $100 sewn into his underwear, thank God some well-meaning liberal didnt come put his arm around him and say, Let me take care of you. Let me put you on the government dole [and] rob you of your self respect. And by the way, dont bother to learn English. Let me keep you in a language ghetto. TED CRUZ, addressing a business forum Feb. 1 in Austin, Texas, adding that the traditional American dream is being destroyed by allowing immigrants to use their native languages and grow dependent on government aid.

Politicians Out of Touch, Say Visiting High School Scholars


(continued from page 3)

people, religion, polItical party, etc., is what causes all conflicts in our world. Gustavo Garcia, 17, La Puente. Since I was young, I have wanted to create several organizations helping minorities, especially Latinos. Both my parents are immigrants and had difficulty providing me with resources necessary for me to go to college because they didnt speak English. I want to work with parents and students to help them become educated regarding college. Kimberly Bonilla, 17, South El Monte. Q. 5 What is your overall opinion on politicians? Has being here in Washington, D.C. changed your opinion? Only one student had a positive view on politicians. Most believe that these individuals are out of touch with the people. Their stay here in Washington, D.C. has not changed their view about them. While four of my peers had a neutral stand, they still

cians are different. I can say however, that most of the politicians seem to be power hungry, and dont take the benefit of the whole nation into consideration when they vote for legislations and acts. There are a few who seem to be more thoughtful, and dont just want to be in office

...a few dont want to be in office just for the power. Being in D.C. has not changed my opinion , at least not yet. Leonardo Huerta
for the power. Being in D.C. has not changed my opinion at all, at least not yet. Leonardo Huerta, 16, El Monte. Well, I thought they were amazing, but I realized that race is a big influence on how things work. Esmeralda Contreras, 17, El Monte. Q. 6 Have you ever participated in a political campaign? If not, do you ever see yourself doing so? Why or why not? Five students, including myself, have already participated in a political campaign. While the rest have not, all but three hope to participate in one in the near future. No, because they were not made available to me and the opportunity wasnt presented. I will not consider participating in political campaign because I will be the one
Aug. 10, 2012

leading, I will make sure to be at the table, not on the menu. Rosa Nez, 17, Pomona. No, I havent participated in a political campaign. I would participate in a campaign because I would want to help support individuals who make a difference. Mara Alvillar, 16, South El Monte. In summary, the responses I received confirm that that the opinions of my peers are as diverse as the country itself. Some are already showing signs that they will be active members of our democratic society while others are more reluctant to become involved.

...they were amazing, but I realized that race is a big influence on how things work. Esmeralda Contreras7
Politics may not be the most exciting topic for the Latino youth. Yet it is an important topic because they are the next ones to be in charge. If the youth is not satisfied with the way things are run or who is elected, getting involved and actually taking the time to cast a vote is the only way change will come. Being only a few months away from turning 18, I plan to make my voice heard in this election and engage in the civic duty I believe everyone should look forward to.
5

Most politicians are liars who are bought out by their funders. Victor Nguyen showed mistrust in some politicians. 17
Most politicians are liars who are bought out by their funders. Victor Nguyen, 17, El Monte. I do not have a general opinion regarding politicians for the simple fact that all politiHispanic Link Weekly Report

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