Latino PAC Shifts Course Endorses GOP Challengers Over Democrat Incumbents
http://www.dignitasnews.com/latino-pac-shifts-course-endorses-gop-challengers-democrat-incumbents/Further evidence of an erosion in confidence among the traditionally Democratic Party voting base, a major Latino Political Action Committee in San Diego, California has shifted course and given its endorsement to two GOP challengers facing Democrat incumbents in November’s Congressional elections. The Latino American Political Association (LAPA) has formally endorsed Republican Carl DeMaio in his bid to unseat Scott Peters for California’s 52nd District and also thrown their weight behind GOP challenger Larry Wilske in his quest to oust Democrat Susan Davis in the 53rd.
GOP
Carl DeMaio
The San Diego-based PAC is an officially non-partisan group which has largely backed Democrats in the past. They notably endorsed defamed former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, who was forced to resign the office following a guilty plea for sexual battery and false imprisonment of a female. Possibly in lieu of these and other noteworthy scandals involving state Democrats in the past two years, LAPA joins a growing list of Latino organizations and voters who are taking a more open-minded look at potential office holders, upsetting Democratic Party goals of creating a monolithic voting-bloc among Latinos, as they have successfully done to the African-American community.
This sentiment could not have been expressed more strongly than in the official statement made by LAPA’s Vice President Delores “Dee” Chavez during the announcement of DeMaio’s endorsement, “”Scott Peters uses the Latino community for political gain, while Carl DeMaio genuinely cares about our important issues of jobs and schools.”Chavez went on to reproach Peters for his divisive and misleading rhetoric, an increasingly consistent critique of Democratic Party figures on national and local levels, demanding that he present an accurate portrayal of DeMaio’s positive record on Latino issues. “When Scott Peters sought our endorsement, he outright misled us on Carl DeMaio’s views on our issues and was highly divisive – the last thing we want in our Congressional representative,” Chavez added.
Former Navy Seal and Republican challenger Larry Wilske also earned LAPA’s endorsement, as he attempts to defeat Democrat incumbent Susan Davis in the neighboring 53rd Congressional District. Wilske earned LAPA’s nod by highlighting the need for legislation that respects the limits of the Constitution, provides less regulatory to business and job creation and replacing the Affordable Care Act with patient-centered, market-driven solutions.
GOP
Larry Wilske
Ms. Chavez spoke definitively of the organizations belief that Wilske can serve the needs of San Diego’s Latino population when she stated, “San Diego Latinos agree, Larry Wilske is the 53rd Congressional District’s best chance to change Washington and represent all San Diegans in his district, not just special interests.” Her praise was echoed by fellow LAPA member Esther Berry who noted, ““Actions speak louder than words, and this is especially true in Larry Wilske’s case. In his service to our country, he’s already proven he has what it takes to build and lead coalitions, develop a plan of action, and win a battle.” She continued, noting his impressive appearance before LAPA’s endorsement board, “What I remember most is how he pulled a copy of the U.S. Constitution out of his pocket. People sometimes forget what this is all about, and how important it is to govern based on constitutional principles. Larry has spent his life defending the Constitution, and we need this kind of integrity in Congress.”
In addition to receiving the endorsement of LAPA, Carl DeMaio secured the nod of the Hispanic 100, a Southern California-based group of Latino business leaders which supports candidates who reflect their values of common-sense immigration reform, school reform, economic growth and other issues critical to the Hispanic community and all Americans. “Latinos need jobs and Carl DeMaio is hands-down the superior candidate when it comes to creating jobs,” stated Hispanic 100 Chairman Mario Rodriguez.
Carl DeMaio responded that the endorsements reflect progress he is making in presenting a more inclusive and positive agenda for the Republican Party through his candidacy. DeMaio describes himself as a “new generation Republican” stressing his track record of taking on special interest groups and his philosophy of sound fiscal management. In a Survey USA poll released earlier this week, DeMaio held a seven point lead against his Democratic Party opponent.
With political winds across the country swirling in a direction against the status quo of bureaucratic intervention and dependence on government, the Democratic Party finds itself in jeopardy of facing a Republican tsunami in the midterm elections. As traditionally Democrat-leaning Latino PAC’s and groups begin shifting their support to GOP challengers against ingrained Democrat incumbents, it may be a far more joyous November than even the most optimistic Republican strategist could hope for.
By Dignitas News Service
