|
The likely reason is the keynote speaker: San Antonio Mayor
Julián Castro, the youngest mayor of
a top 50 American city and considered a rising star in the
Democratic Party. Many have described him as “the Latino
Obama,” because of the belief he has the potential to become
the first Latino
president of the United States.
Latino Democrats from across the state plan to head to Columbus
for Friday night’s grassroots political fundraiser, being hosted
by US Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), former Ohio Gov.
Ted Strickland, and Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris
Redfern (D-Catawba Island), who also serves in the Ohio
House of Representatives.
Robert Torres,
Northwest Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce executive director,
is working behind the scenes to draw additional Latino Democrats
across the state to attend Castro event. Lucas County Auditor
Anita López will be among the local Latinos in attendance.
“The
appearance of Mayor Castro, is unprecedented in our State's
political history,” said Torres. “This past election in which
Latinos and their interests and concerns got more attention than
ever—in the media, and by conservative and liberal politicians
alike—brought Ohio’s Latino vote to the national dialogue. Both
political parties, their candidates and surrogates, made
numerous appearances to this state. This visit underscores that
Latino voters in Ohio are poised to play a major role in future
electoral races throughout the state.”
“Mayor Julian Castro's
appearance at the Democratic Party's Legacy dinner is
significant because it shows the important economic and
political role that Latinos have in Ohio and throughout the
nation,” added Isabel Framer, a Northeast Ohio Latina and
Democratic activist, who plans to attend. “It is great to see
the Ohio Democratic Party realizing that a national Latino
leader like him can be a big draw to a fundraiser. I was amazed
and at the same time excited and proud to hear that tickets are
sold out.”
The
Cleveland-based
Hispanic Roundtable,
through Torres and an organizing committee, already has extended
an invitation to Castro to make a second trip to Ohio at its
“Convención 2013” event in October. The group hopes to
follow-up in person Friday.
“Last year's presidential
election was a stepping stone for the Ohio Democratic Party and
this state is now positioned to gain the attention of future
presidential aspirants,” said Torres. “Rather, this visit by
Mayor Castro will be a stepping stone for Ohio’s Latino
community, for Latino elected leadership, and for the rights of
immigrants and Latinos.”
“I see it more as recognition by him of the important contributions
of Latinos to the Democratic Party in Ohio and the economy of
our state,” said Ms. Framer. “Only he would know if he wants
bigger, more national prominence but coming to Ohio, an historic
swing state, as well as building ties with other states, is
certainly a stepping stone. I would love to see Julian move
towards bigger things politically. He is certainly laying the
groundwork.”
Castro was first elected mayor of San Antonio in 2009 at the age
of 34. He easily won re-election two years later with 82 percent
of the vote. He is the fifth Latino mayor of that city. His
political career started when he was elected as the youngest
city councilman in San Antonio’s history in 2001 at age 26. Four
years later, he lost his first bid for mayor. Castro served as a
co-chairman of President Obama's re-election campaign in 2012.
Castro has received national attention and recognition for his
focus on raising the bar of his city’s economy and education. In
2010, the city opened Café College, a one-stop center
offering guidance on college admissions, financial aid, and
standardized test preparation. 5,000 took advantage of the
effort in the first year, leading to a rapid expansion of the
center. He also led a referendum to increase the sales tax in
order to offer full-day prekindergarten to 22,000 four-year olds
over the next eight years.
Castro served as the
keynote speaker at the 2012 Democratic National Convention,
the first Latino chosen for that role in the party’s history.
The Roman Catholic is a 1996
graduate of Stanford University, where he majored in
political science and communications. He graduated from
Harvard Law School in 2000.
Castro has a twin brother, Joaquin, who serves as a state
representative in the Texas legislature and is running for a
seat in US Congress. He is a San Antonio native who is married
to an elementary school teacher. The couple has a four-year old
daughter.
Castro’s mother Rosie served as a leader of the La Raza Unida
movement, which sought to defend the civil rights of
Mexican-Americans in Texas in the 1970s. Organizers of the group
believed the effort would help boost the Chicano movement
in Texas and become more influential in politics.
“I had the privilege of meeting both Joaquin and Julian at the
Democratic National Convention, and to hear Julian's keynote
remarks,” said Ms. Framer. “Julian is an inspirational Latino
that I believe can further awaken the Latino electorate which
will lead to more influence for Latinos in this country. His
personal story of humble beginnings and success reflects the
American dream.”
“Mayor Castro’s visit can
help redefine the politics of Ohio’s future opportunities for
Latinos,” emphasized Torres. “My hope is that Castro will help
to define Ohio Democratic principles that will oppose
Arizona-like legislation, avoid unnecessary English-only
legislation, advocate for DREAMers and immigration
reform.”
The Legacy Dinner serves as a showcase for up-and-coming
Democratic political candidates, many of whom plan to run for
state-wide or local office in 2014. The dinner also honors
Democratic activists—and there are many who contributed to
President Barack Obama’s re-election last year, when he carried
swing-state Ohio by winning over the Latino vote.
Tables for the event already are sold out at the Downtown
Columbus Anthenaeum, 32 N. 4th St. The
standing-room-only tickets are going for $30 apiece. The event
includes a 6 p.m. private reception, followed at 7 p.m. by
dinner and the evening’s program.
Standing room tickets still can be ordered using a credit card
at www.ohiodems.org, emailing
RSVP@ohiodems.org, or by calling 614.341.6911.
|
