Yesterday the Latino Leaders Network hosted a reception with the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association to announce the second edition of the "Latinos on the Hill" congressional directory. Being a former Hispanic congressional staffer, I take great pride in the growing number of Hispanics who are working on the Hill. It is a significant increase from my days on the Hill.
As I read through the list of Members of Congress who employ at least one Hispanic on their staff, I couldn't help but notice that Senator John McCain was not on the list. I was sure that this was a mistake, and so I confirmed with the Latino Leaders Network. They confirmed that in fact Senator McCain does not employ any Hispanics in his Senate office.
WOW!!! Are you kidding me with this? Is this the same McCain who just launched a Spanish language website for his Presidential campaign, and who has been pandering to the Hispanic vote recently? Senator McCain please explain how is it that you plan on convincing the Hispanic electorate that they are a valuable constituency to you, when you won't even bother to hire any Hispanics on your congressional staff?
I might be willing to excuse you if you represented some other state, but you represent the state of Arizona with a huge Hispanic population. Since you seem fond of spending the time in Florida, I will pay homage to the great Desi Arnaz: "Johnny, you got some splainin to do!"
re: McCain misses the mark
excellent points Andres.
Moreover, while he does employ Latinos in his state offices, (Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson) it looks like there are four Latinos (assuming the surnames are in fact Latino)out of 18 hired positions, according to the CQ Congressional Staff Directory. They are relegated to lower level positions, 'staff assistant" none at the "Director" or Manager positions.
Thanks for reading
Thanks for reading the blog. Actually, according to the publication that printed the directory this year, they were notified that McCain currently has NO Latino staff in either the Washington Office or the district office.
Washington Office or the District Office
Out of the 18 hired in positions; We didn't get a summary or confirmation on that? It would be interesting to know where the other positions were filled. NO Latino staff in either the Washington Office or the District Office, then "Lets Make It Happen"! I'm positive on Today and Tomorrow, God willing. Great blog, your information is much appreciated.
Where there's a situation: There's an action. Thinking out loud: I think Senator Ingrid Betancourt, a very much respected Leader, in my eyes, said something like this: "Never Give Up". Her voice and words command authoritative attention. Well, for me, they do! She gives us the encouragement and spiritual inspiration everyone of us needs to look forward to, at any given situation.
GOD BLESS ALL.
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