Campaign to Engage Hispanics and Latinos Nationwide

Little Rock, AR - Building on growing nationwide grass roots support and the support of Hispanic and Latino leaders including Jose Villarreal, Ambassador Ed Romero, and Dr. Arturo Valenzuela, retired General Wesley Clark announced the kick-off of an ambitious Hispanic/Latino outreach program.

This program will have two primary components:

• The first component is the creation of the Clark Hispanic/Latino Action Team (CHAT), which will include Hispanics/Latinos in every aspect of the Clark for President Campaign. CHAT is a national network that consists of Clark Campaign staffers and grass root volunteers representing the various components of the campaign including the Political, Communications, Finance, Technology, Community Outreach and Volunteer departments.

• The second component is the establishment of committees that integrate the insight and expertise of Hispanic/Latino leaders from the local, state and national levels into the various components of the campaign.

"Now, more than ever, our leaders must listen to the important and unique voices of the Hispanic/Latino community when shaping our national goals," said Clark, "I have seen what can be accomplished when the doors of opportunity are fully opened to all."

The desire to create this grassroots program was initiated by the overwhelming outpouring of support from the Hispanic Community for General Clark nationwide. Recently, prominent leaders have endorsed the General and have committed to working tirelessly to get him elected.

"I quizzed General Clark on issues related to immigration reform, relations with Mexico and Latin America, his vision for an America with an ever increasing Hispanic population, our nation's reputation and standing in the world and the enormous challenges facing Latinos in the areas of education, health care, housing and economic opportunity. His answers were responsive, unambiguous, and forward-thinking," said Jose Villarreal of San Antonio who worked for the Clinton Administration.

General Emilio Diaz Colon commented, "General Clark follows through on his promises. I met him when he was the commander of Southcom. I witnessed his profound concern for the welfare of Hispanic and Latino soldiers and the communities of Central and South America. He immediately sought to develop strong communication channels to find practical solutions in the armed forces and in the communities of Latin America."

CHAT will use the Internet and offline mediums to convey the General's message and vision nationwide. Local members will host "Meet Up" gatherings with Hispanics/Latinos to discuss why General Clark is the best candidate for President. In addition, CHAT will work to ensure that Hispanic/Latino issues are key priorities for the Clark campaign.

"General Clark is clearly committed to the Hispanic/Latino community. Las acciones hablan más fuerte que palabras. [Actions speak louder than words]. Wes Clark's commitment to tap into the Hispanic/Latino community to best understand and represent our needs is what makes him the candidate of choice for our community," said Kety Esquivel, Director of Hispanic/Latino Outreach for the Clark Campaign.