Hispanic Evangelicals React to Sotomayor Nomination, Republicans must walk cautiously, Group will oppose if Anti abortion issues

(June 1, 2009 - Washington, D.C., Hispanic Christian Newswire) America's largest Hispanic Christian Organization, The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), The Hispanic National Association of Evangelicals, formally responded to the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the Supreme Court. .

"We are Hispanic and Evangelicals. First, as a Hispanic American, we celebrate her nomination. Her journey is our collective journey. Sotomayor stands as a model to all our Hispanic young people throughout America that faith, family and education can overcome the most difficult of environments and economic circumstances", said Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, NHCLC President. "Republicans must be careful on how they oppose her. They may add to the wedge already in existence as a result of immigration reform between the party and a naturally conservative independent community."

According to the 2008 Election exit polls, Hispanic Evangelicals played a pivotal role in the election of President Barack Obama, particularly in swing states such as Florida, New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada. The Republican Party garnished 44% of Hispanic voters in 2004 but only succeeded in acquiring 32% in the 2008 election, primarily due to the perceived anti-immigrant stance of the party.

"I am excited and enthusiastic about the nomination of Judge Sotomayor to the highest court in the land. I still wait to hear about her record on immigration but I am confident that her record on life will demonstrate her Catholic values. As a Latina she fits a new mold for any high office. Neither black nor white, liberal nor conservative but a new mold that cannot be classified so easily. She does not fit the modern political rubric. I am also grateful that President Obama would choose someone and not focus on her abortion permission. Because of her voice concerning the Mexico City matter which points back to President Bush, one would expect her not to be on this President's short list. The President obviously considers other things when putting forth her name', declared Dr. Jesse Miranda, NHCLC CEO.

Hispanic Evangelicals are strong advocates of a Pro Life and Traditional Marriage agenda. Sotomayor's comments on legislating from the bench concern the organization."As a strong Puerto Rican Catholic and her 2002 Decision in favor of the Bush White House on funding anti-abortion materials tells us that she is not a radical Pro Choice proponent. Although we are concerned about her statements concerning legislating from the bench, overall, we believe Obama could have chosen someone from the far left. Sotomayor, with the information we've acquired thus far, comes across as a moderate. Accordingly, we stand prayerfully and cautiously optimistic of her nomination and render prayerful support", added Dr. Gilbert Velez, NHCLC Chairman.

Rev. Nick Garza, COO for the Hispanic NAE sees the nomination as a critical tipping point. "The nomination of Sotomayor once again gives a large segment of our society the hope that a new glass ceiling is beginning to crack. Others have spoken of glass ceilings in recent political battles as Latinos may have felt that several layers of glass had been added to an already unreachable one. This nomination obviously raises hope that Latinos can achieve the heights of any of our highest offices in the land." As Evangelicals we await for the thorough vetting of this nomination, but the sounds of the cracking are an obvious source of enthusiasm. "

"If Sotomayor emerges as an advocate of the Anti-life agenda, we will be the first to oppose her nomination. Thus far, we are optimistic", added Rodriguez

For Interviews and additional information, please contact Maritza Ramirez, NHCLC Marketing and Media Director, at 916-919-7476. www.hispanicevangelicals.com and hispanicchurch@aol.com