and Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-CA)
jointly discussed the importance of voter registration and voter turnout among Latinas, and underscored the critical role that women’s issues will play in the upcoming election. “Barack Obama has been helping progress women’s issues for many, many years as a state senator,” Congresswoman Solis stated, a long-time advocate of women’s rights from the Hill. She went on to emphasize that today, women across America make 70 cents to the dollar relative to the average American male. Even more outrageous, Hispanic women make 53 cents to the dollar relative to the average American male. “We need a fighter like Barack Obama. We need to have someone in the White House that will fight for us to provide good medical coverage, will advocate protecting a woman’s right to choose, and help us push crucial women’s rights legislation through Congress,” Solis emphasized.
“We need to get everyone registered to vote, and I can’t emphasize that enough,” actress Eva Longoria declared. In 2004, the democrats lost Nevada by only 20,000 votes, Florida by 380,000 votes, and New Mexico by only 6,000 votes. Currently, there are 68,000 unregistered Latino voters in Nevada, 500,000 in Florida, and 170,000 in New Mexico. Longoria encouraged everyone to register using the quick, bilingual, and easy to use voter registration site, www.voteforchange.com. “A lot of people I’ve met didn’t know that there were registration deadlines, thus they lost the opportunity to participate in the election.” Voter registration deadlines are fast approaching.
When Longoria is off the screen, she is on the trail. While many recognize her for her leading role in ABC’s Desperate Housewives, she has been leading a politically active life for over decades. Longoria’s interest in politics stemmed from when she was only 17, when her high school was recruiting for volunteers for the 1992 Clinton campaign. “I remember being thoroughly depressed because I was only 17, and could not vote. Since then, I have campaigned for several democratic campaigns.” Longoria campaigned for Gore in 2000, Kerry in 2004, and for Proposition 87 in California. The actress grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, with her Mexican-American parents who were never very politically active. “If people take the time to understand the [electoral] process, it is amazing how much difference one person can make.”
Longoria also expressed her views on Republican vice presidential candidate, Governor Sarah Palin. “I’m very confused by the women who have turned their support to Palin because Hillary did not get on the ticket. Palin, for me, represents everything Hillary is not. I don’t know how a woman can support someone who does not support equal pay for women, or the right to choose.” Longoria, a Clinton supporter during the primaries, whole-heartedly turned her support to Obama after he won the party’s nomination. If you’re supporting Palin because she’s a woman and you’re a woman, then that’s the wrong reason to do it,” Longoria proclaimed.
Congresswoman Solis addressed the fact that Senator Obama’s values are closely aligned with those of the Latino community. “Like many Hispanics and Latinos, Obama is the son of immigrants, he is very proud of his family, and he is the father of two young girls. He shares many values with the Latino community.”
In closing, Solis specifically addressed Latina women voters, saying, “If you want good healthcare coverage for you and your family, if you want economic stability, and if you want help in sending your children to college, then support Barack Obama.”
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