For Immediate Release: Contact: Neel Pender, 503/224-8200; Jose Hernandez,
503/786-2010
Monday, August 9, 1999
DEMOCRATS’ LATINO CAUCUS INTENSIFIES
RECRUITMENT DRIVE
Party Directs New Resources To State’s Fastest Growing
Minority Population.
PORTLAND, Or -- The Democratic Party of Oregon has approved seed money to
boost recruiting and organizing efforts of Latino voters in the state. The new budget is a
component of the party’s Challenge 2000 campaign and reflects a renewed commitment to
increase minority representation in the political process. The Democratic Latino Caucus
was formed earlier this spring and will oversee a sustaining recruitment drive.
"We are very excited about the energy and ideas propelling our Latino
Caucus," notes Democratic Party chair Jim Edmunson. "Latino voters face the same
issues and economic pressures as other Oregonians but we want to make sure they have a
stronger voice in the process and at the polls."
The Latino Caucus is led by Jose Hernandez, chair of the Clackamas County
Democratic Party. Hernandez is a passionate advocate for increasing the voice and
representation of Latinos in Oregon politics. According to the Oregon Commission on
Hispanic Affairs, there are approximately 190,000 Oregonians of Hispanic descent,
representing 5.9% of the state’s overall population. However, Latinos represent less
than one percent of Oregon’s elected officials and just 3.7% of state employees.
Hernandez believes with concerted efforts these trends can be reversed and increased
Latino participation will translate into helping Democrats win majorities in the state
legislature.
"If you look at the numbers, there is no question that Latinos are
under-represented in Oregon," observes Jose Hernandez, Latino Caucus founder.
"But if we are successful in our organizing with the caucus, there is no question
Latinos will influence the outcome of the 2000 elections. That’s good for Latinos and
it’s good for Democrats."
The Latino Caucus membership is open to all registered Democrats in Oregon. The
primary focus will be to track issues of Latino interest, educate and train political
activists, and build membership in each county. Initially efforts will be focused in
counties with the largest Hispanic populations, including: Marion 30,443 (11.5%);
Multnomah 30,406 (4.9%), Washington 26,123 (6.7%); Clackamas 12,495 (3.8%); Lane 11,513
(3.7%); Jackson 10,191 (6.0%); Umatilla 8,203 (12.7%); Malheur 7,589 (26.6%); Yamhill
7,300 (9.1%); Klamath (8.2%) 4,754; Hood River 4,926 (8.2%); and Polk 4,431 (22.6%).
For information on the Democratic Latino Caucus, please call Jose Hernandez at
503/786-2010.
