McCain Speaks At La Raza Convention

Senator John McCain taking the stage to address the National Council of La Raza today in San Diego (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Without a doubt the battle for Latino support is going to be a contentious fight during the course of the 2008 election.

By Citizen Correspondent Wyatt McIntyre

Date Posted: 07/14/08

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Taking the stage today Arizona Senator and Presumptive Republican Nominee John McCain talked about an issue that has dogged his campaign with conservative voters since his controversial support. Partnered with Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy and Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Spector, the two primary sponsors of the measure, helping to spearhead the effort for comprehensive Immigration Reform, a package that would target him as a supporter of amnesty for illegal aliens within the United States.

Appearing before the National Council of La Raza in San Diego, California for their 40th anniversary convention Senator McCain, who had been honored by the organization in 1999 along side then Congressman Dick Gephardt (D-MO) "for their work on civil rights, immigration, education, and other issue areas affecting Latinos", addressed the mostly Latino audience in what has largely been considered Democratic territory.

Recognizing the potential challenges that he faced winning their support, the Arizona Senator would state "I know many of you are Democrats, regrettably, and many of you would usually vote for the presidential candidate of that party." But rather than leaving it there Senator McCain would go on to issue a challenge for his candidacy and his campaign, "I know I must work hard to win your votes, but you have always given me a respectful hearing, and I appreciate it. I intend to compete for your votes by continuing to earn your trust."

There, in what can only be characterized as a fight for Latino voters, seeking to woo their potential support from his principle rival, Illinois Senator Barack Obama, Senator McCain addressed a host of issues, from economic concerns to the recent attacks leveled against him by the Obama campaign to the failed immigration reform package he tried to help push through the Senate to Border Security and Comprehensive Immigration Reform.