Obama chases Hispanics' votes

Now that Hillary Clinton is out of the presidential picture, Barack Obama wants to reach Hispanics who supported her in the primaries.

But getting their votes will cost lots of dinero.

So Obama's camp is asking Hispanics to help him fund his outreach.

The Democratic nominee, who is refusing money from lobbyists and political-action committees, has appointed a Floridian to lead his national quest for Hispanic donors.

Francisco "Frank" Sanchez, a former U.S. assistant secretary of transportation, was named national chair of Hispanic fundraising with a mandate "to increase the already growing enthusiasm and fundraising efforts . . . in the Hispanic community."

S�nchez, 48, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Tampa in 2003, said he is building a network to attract potential Hispanic donors, especially from business and professional circles.

"There is a growing political sophistication within the Latino community," Sanchez said. "For our community to get engaged politically, we have to do so on a lot of levels, and one of those is the fundraising side."

The plan is already in gear. Obama raised an estimated $400,000 during a Florida trip that included a Hispanic fundraiser gala in Fort Lauderdale, according to a campaign source. Sanchez is also scheduled to speak at an upcoming $500-per-person reception in Coral Gables on June 26.

Sanchez said he has been in touch with supporters planning fundraisers in Puerto Rico, New York, Texas, Illinois and Virginia.

"It was about time," said Emilio P�rez, president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida. "We are more than ready to do this and put money behind candidates who are good for us."

In the past, Hispanics have been sought out more for their vote than their money.

Republicans have been successful in their efforts to gain financial support in Florida, but they have yet to go after Hispanics specifically.

Bertica Cabrera-Morris, a Hispanic lobbyist from Orlando, said she has already raised more than $100,000 for Sen. John McCain, but she taps many sources for that funding, and the money raised is not just for Hispanic campaigning.

"Hispanic fundraising is part of what we are going to do, but we are targeting the community in general," she said. "Many of us are immigrants and don't have an inheritance to draw from. We can give $500, but it's going to be hard to match the needs of the campaign."

Obama's Hispanic supporters see his fundraising plans as an opportunity to bring their issues to the forefront.

"The way I see it is as an investment for the future of the United States, for Latin America and the world," said Gladys Bernett, a Tampa resident of Panamanian ancestry who said she left her job as a vice president in investment banking to volunteer for Obama.

Bernett said she thinks her work is already paying off. She cites the candidate's recent visit to Miami, where he broke away from his speech to say a few words in Spanish, which she thought captured his message well: Todos somos americanos. We are all Americans.

By: Victor Manuel Ramos | Sentinel Staff Writer