Calblog

Latinos for Schwarzenegger

One story that I find is underreported is the number of Latino Republicans in the state of California and how active they are in the party. To get a handle on this story, Calblog has engaged in firsthand reporting and now brings you this interview with Karen Juarez Boyd:

What's your relationship to the Schwarzenegger campaign?

I am serving on the Latino Steering Committee which consists of Latino business leaders who are committed to getting AS elected. Key to this initiative is "getting out the vote" (GOTV) and educating Latinos about his vision for California. The key concern is that Latinos will vote for Bustamante as a fellow Latino and also since this is the first time in over 100 years a Hispanic has been on the ballot for governor. To better serve the state, our commitment is to elect the best man and not just for ethnicity.

How did you get involved in the Latino Steering Committee?

I was in the Hispanic Coalition during the Bush 2000 presidential campaign. Gary Mendoza, CA. co-chair of the Hispanic Coalition is also the state co-chair for the AS campaign. The Latino vote made a difference in the Bush campaign in California even though he didn't carry the state so that's why the state GOP is giving it the needed attention/support in this campaign. Latinos were attracted to the Bush campaign because of his track record in Texas in support of the Hispanic community.

Is it accurate to say that a lot of the Hispanics involved in this campaign were also involved in the Bush campaign?

I think it's fair to say that a lot have a history of involvement in the GOP at the state and national level. The Hispanic GOP is very organized and utilizing this grass roots effort for state and national elections

Does that mean Bush is influencing this campaign?

In no way. In fact, if you remember there was a lot written about Bush's sensitivity about getting involved in any way with a recall which is controversial but more importantly, the press was also speculating that the tougher things got with a Dem governor around the 2004 election, it might be easier to make headway amongst independent voters

Why are Republican Latinos behind Schwarzenegger?

Republican Latinos feel the Democratic party has not only taken the Hispanic vote for granted, they also haven't served our community well since many are small business owners and we know what Davis/Bustamante has done for the small business owner - nothing except higher taxes, higher workers compensation insurance and now an imposed mandate to provide healthcare to all employees (if the company is growing and providing new jobs). The Democrats are also playing the card of AS being "anti-immigrant" even though he is an immigrant. Arnold came to this state unable to speak English and with little money. He understands what it means to struggle in a new country to realize your dreams. His path is one millions of Latinos have traveled or are now traveling. He also has been active at the Hollenbeck Center in the heart of East Los Angeles for the last 12 years with no media coverage but only with the goal of improving the lives of Latino kids in the barrio through after school programs. His commitment to this community is not election driven but evidenced in his past actions.

Do you think that Latinos are a big influence in the Schwarzenegger campaign?

Absolutely. Sometimes we're referred to as the "sleeping giant." Latinos have not exercised our true potential/muscle in the political arena. The Latino population is increasing significantly and now we are force who wants their voice heard.

Do you get any negative reaction from other Latinos?

Sometimes. I think for many Latinos, there’s a visceral reaction when they are asked to vote for Arnold Schwarzenegger rather than Cruz Bustamante even when you lay out what Davis and Bustamante have not done for them. Key to the campaign’s appeal to Hispanic voters are the business owners since Davis/Bustamante/Dem Legislators have been very anti-small business .

Do you think Arnold can win?

Absolutely. He:
1. Doesn't come with the political baggage;
2. Is a smart businessman who can bring some of the fiscal responsibility back to the position;
3. Is a social moderate which is essential for a GOP candidate and fiscally conservative - which is appealing to everyone in California with a $35B deficit; and
4. Isn’t tied to special interests like the Indian casinos and can serve the interests of the people.

Posted by Justene Adamec at September 30, 2003 11:43 AM | TrackBack