The Latino Vote in Idaho - El Voto Latino en Idaho

Press Release

Recently, with the delay on immigration reform, there has been a lot of backlash on Democrats at all levels. It has raised questions about the sincerity of our efforts as Democrats to get Latinos to vote and created rumors that we only make promises of change in order to get elected. For me as an individual, I can promise that this is not the case. I believe that Latinos in Idaho deserve representation in order to improve daily life, just like all constituents. Because isn't that what effective representation is supposed to do? I made the decision to run so that I can improve the situation in Idaho for everyone and feel that the Latino community has been looked over in this state for too long. If I am elected, I will not be like my predecessors and only act in the interest of the few at the top, because that is what put Idaho in this poor condition.

I am being completely honest when I say that I need the Latino vote to win, but I am not asking Latinos to only go to the polls to elect me or to only go to vote this year. I am asking them to get involved in the election process permanently in order to achieve the representation that they need and to vote in their interest. With more than 61,000 eligible voters, Latinos can be a great political force if they turn-out to the polls. I want to help awake the sleeping giant by increasing education and accessibility to this community.

The fact is that the current representation has not acted in Latino interest, but has instead expressed sentiments that oppose the majority of Latino opinions. On July 23rd Governor Otter sent a letter to the Federal Government stating that Idaho would play no part in aiding with the Refugee Crisis on the border. It was fortunate that 8 immigrant children were reunited with family in Idaho before the Governor publicly closed Idaho's door to them. Both Congressman Labrador and Simpson have been part of the opposition to immigration reform. On August 2nd Labrador worked towards creating a bill that would increase funds for border security and deportation programs to $694 million. He also created a bill that would defund DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), which has been a step towards immigration reform. Congressman Simpson voted in favor of both. The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda released a congressional scorecard to rate how each member of congress votes towards Latino interest, Idaho's Representatives and Senators all received 0%. There is no excuse for this complete lack of representation. Latinos deserve better. Constituents deserve better. Idaho deserves better.

Source