(Lori Piotrowski) – On Tuesday evening, July 19, Alex Garza, vice chairman of the Latin Chamber of Commerce and president of the Hispanic Realtors Association, addressed the Clark County Republican Central Committee at its bimonthly meeting. Garza, a native of Alamo, Nevada, had been invited by the executive board to speak to the group as a part of its outreach programs to minority voters.
“This is the best time in history to go after the Latino voter,” he began.
Garza emphasized the commonalities that Latin, or Hispanic, voters share with the Republican party.
“What interests Hispanics most is what also interests Americans: the economy and education for our children.”
He continued to draw parallels between Hispanics and Republicans: “It bothers me when Democrats take the Hispanic vote for granted. We are Republican. If you talk to any Hispanic who hasn’t yet been indoctrinated by the Democrats, we’re for less government, less taxes. We’re entrepreneurs and we believe in conservative discipline. We’re fiscally responsible and we believe in personal accountability.”
“Republicans have a great opportunity to reach out to this demographic,” he continued. “When I think of myself, I am an American citizen, I am Republican, and my ethnicity is Hispanic.”
Throughout his speech, Garza alluded to the similarities the United States is undergoing now with what happened in 1979.
“Gas prices were high. Remember the gas lines?” He mentioned high unemployment and inflation and interest rates that were in double digits.
“We have a chance to make history. In 1980, we made Carter a one-term president, and in 2012, we have the opportunity to make Obama a one-term president,” he said as the crowd applauded.
“I give Barack Obama high marks, and you can applaud this, an A+. He’s doing a phenomenal job at driving minorities away from the Democrat party.”
Garza admitted that Republicans must improve their messaging when speaking about illegal immigration.
“I do not support illegal immigration. I do not support amnesty. If you break a law, there are consequences,” he stated.
“However, as a Christian, I cannot think of any God that would deny somebody food or healthcare (and I’m not talking about Obamacare). We need to use common sense. We have to work collaboratively.”
In conclusion, Garza stated, “Our best days are ahead of us, but we have to get the debt under control; we have to get rid of this health care bill that is crushing us, and we must elect Republicans to office.”
