FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2007
Contact: Alci Maldonado
Phone: 571-276-3109

RNHA Congratulates Republican Presidential Candidates on First-Ever Univision Debate

The Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHA) congratulates the seven Republican presidential candidates on participating in the historic debate hosted by Univision. It demonstrated their desire to communicate their views directly to the large segment of the population that watches Spanish-language television. The RNHA organized multiple, simultaneous watch parties with RNHA Chapters from coast to coast. “The energy and enthusiasm of RNHA members across the U.S. is inspiring and gives us great hope for 2008”, says Manuel Benitez, Executive Director of the RNHA.

RNHA national chairman Danny Vargas said “The candidates did a great job describing why Republicans are best equipped to handle the issues most important to Hispanic Americans, from education, to jobs and the economy, to crime and security, as well as immigration reform. Hispanics families are concerned with the same wide spectrum of issues all Americans are grappling with and will make their choices taking all factors into account”. Mr. Vargas added that Republican President Bush had the most diverse administration in history and under his watch the education gap has narrowed, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses have grown at three times the national rate and Hispanic home ownership is at an all-time high.

Republican candidates were able to explain their individual positions over the issues and how they contrast with those of the Democratic Party. While the Democrats remain negative and describe how to socialize health care, raise taxes, and increase the role of government, Republicans talk about hope and optimism for the future. The Republican Party is the party of ideas and solutions and promotes opportunity for all Americans. Republicans and Hispanics share the same basic core values and principles. As the campaign season progresses, Republicans will remain engaged in an ongoing dialogue with Hispanics and all Americans as to why the Republican Party is their natural home.

The mission of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly is to build a membership organization to foster the principles of the Republican Party in the Hispanic community, provide Hispanic Americans with a forum to play an influential role in local, state, and national Party activities, increase the number of Hispanic Republican elected officials, and create and maintain a network of Hispanic Republican leaders.