Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida Elects New President from Orlando

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2009

Contact: Carmen Torres 407-963-4814
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Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida Elects New President from Orlando

The Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida elected new officers on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 2:00pm, at the Gray/Robinson Law Offices, 301 East Pine Street, Suite 1400, in Orlando, Florida. Jose A. Fernandez, long time Democratic Party activist, community leader, and former president of the Orange County Chapter of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida, was elected President.

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve all Hispanic Democrats statewide", said Mr. Fernandez. "We Hispanic Democrats now outnumber Hispanic Republicans, and the Caucus will continue to work hard to reach all Latinos and increase our numbers in the Democratic Party even more."

Mr. Fernandez, a 10 year resident of Orlando, is joined by new board members Tania Campusano of Lee County as First Vice President, John Cortes of Osceola County as Second Vice President, Carmen Torres of Orange County as Secretary, and Arthur Costa of Miami-Dade County as Treasurer. Mr. Fernandez is a US Army LTC (Retired) Vietnam Veteran, where he flew as Helicopter Aviator with the 7/17 Air Calvary Squadron, and later commanded the 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment of the Puerto Rico National Guard. Mr. Fernandez is the current President of the Orange County Disability Advisory Board, and a lifetime active leader of LULAC, the oldest Latino civil rights organization in the US.

"Your hard work and dedication in championing issues that improve the lives of Latinos in Florida has been crucial in electing Democrats who will represent your best interests throughout the state and nationally," said US Representative Kendrick Meek (D-17) to the group during the swearing in ceremony he conducted after their election. "This is why I have supported the work of the Caucus and its leaders throughout the years."

The Democratic Hispanic Caucus Florida was chartered in 1995 by the Florida Democratic Party, and its mission is to enhance the lives of Hispanics in Florida through empowerment, pride of ethnic origin, growth of self-concept, involvement in government and community issues, building coalitions, and development of political strength.

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