By Patrick Healy
The anger in the Hispanic community over the ousting of Patti Solis Doyle as Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign manager continues to unfold, with two Hispanic legislators from Mrs. Clinton’s home state sending an open letter to her expressing their concerns. (They’re not the only ones voicing concerns.)
Given that Mrs. Clinton (not to mention Ms. Solis Doyle) spent months building a base out of Hispanic voters, does the move over the weekend — as Mrs. Clinton faced more losses — carry risks? Ms. Solis Doyle, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, was replaced by Maggie Williams, an African-American and a longtime, longtime Clinton adviser from their White House days. Ms. Solis Doyle has said that she will remain on the campaign as a “senior adviser.”
Text of the Latino lawmakers’ letter:
Dear Senator Clinton:
It is hard to understand how the Hispanic community that has been there to keep your campaign alive could remain in your corner when the first Hispanic woman to serve as your presidential campaign manager has resigned from her post.
Patti Solis Doyle served in the highest ranking capacity that any Hispanic-American woman ever served on a presidential campaign. She has worked hard to appeal to Hispanic-American voters, and has been tremendously successful for you. She has served your 2008 presidential campaign
loyally. She has broken down barriers that have not welcomed Hispanic women to be placed in political key decision making positions, and has made Hispanics in New York and across America proud of her political leadership role in your campaign.
Although we are inclined to believe that Patti Solis Doyle did resign, we would like you to realize that it will be very troubling to many if somehow we later find that she left her post under pressure because of the recent primary losses your campaign suffered. If so, we will have many
questions about why a Hispanic woman who has helped to build Latino support for you throughout the nation would have been the one to take the blame and resign from her post instead of others involved with your campaign, including former President Clinton, who have caused serious problems and embarrassing situations for your campaign.
For now, we remain distressed that Patti Solis Doyle, a great Hispanic American woman is no longer serving in her leadership post in your 2008 presidential campaign.
Sincerely,
Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz
Assemblyman Jose Peralta
32nd Senate District
39th Assembly District
The Bronx and Queens |
