FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                                Monday, April 28, 2003

 

 

Houston, Texas.

“Renewed recognition of Hispanic political expansion” was highlighted at the Republican National Hispanic Assembly’s Biannual Convention, according to National Chairman Massey Villarreal regarding the increasing influence of Hispanic-Americans in the political landscape of the United States.

Delegates representing states from New York to California focused attention on the increasing political clout of the largest ethnic minority population in the United States.  Guest appearances by US House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and Counsel to the President Al Gonzales, as well as a letter of recognition by President George W. Bush showed reinvigorated interest at the highest levels of government as Hispanics begin to move increasingly into the Republican camp.

As evidence of the movement of Hispanics toward the Republican Party, local Democrat activist Al Flores joined Houston City Councilman Gabriel Vasquez in switching registration from Democrat to Republican in a ceremony attended by Republican National Committee Treasurer Mike Retzer and Harris County Republican Party Chairman Jared Woodfill.

Over five hundred RNHA leaders, members, supporters and guests in a standing room-only luncheon listened as video messages by Texas Governor Rick Perry and US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison were aired to delegates poised to select leadership to carry into the upcoming political battle of 2004. 

“It is an exciting time for Hispanic Republicans.  Thanks to the leadership of President Bush and the sound policies being implemented by his Administration, the GOP is making significant progress with Hispanic voters,” said Rudy Fernandez, Director of Grassroots Development for the Republican National Committee.

Other events included a Women’s luncheon with Texas appellate Judge Elsa Alcalá, Federated Republican Women Texas Chair Gail Suttle and a prayer breakfast with Rob Mosbacher, President of Mosbacher Energy in Houston.

In a ceremony at the Convention, Judge Alcalá swore in the new officer slate:

Chairman: Massey Villarreal,  Texas
First Vice Chair:  Jose Fuentes,  Puerto Rico
Second Vice Chair:  Rosemary Ramirez Barbour,  Mississippi
Secretary:  Balbina Cuellar Caldwell,  Pennsylvania
Assistant Secretary:  Bill Guevara,  Washington State
Treasurer:  Gilbert Ruiz,  Illinois
Assistant Treasurer:  Mark Martinez,  Colorado

Contact:   David Quintana
National Communications Director
Republican National Hispanic Assembly
quintana@techreps.com