New Democratic Majority to Redefine Washington and Restore the American Dream for Millions of Latino Workers

Denver, CO--Today in battleground states from Colorado to Florida to Virginia, a record number of Latino voters made history, voting overwhelmingly to put President-Elect Barack Obama in the White House. In response, SEIU Executive Vice President Eliseo Medina issued the following statement:

Tonight we celebrate an historic victory for the Latino community and for the country. From the palm trees of Southern Florida to the snowy mountains of Colorado, millions of first-time, long-time and infrequent Latino voters have raised their voices and changed the course of history.

"Millions of Latino voters turned out at the polls in record numbers and voted overwhelmingly to put our country on a new course towards promise and prosperity.

"Overcoming much more than long lines, millions of new citizen voters made their voices heard for the first time. Millions more young, first-time Latino voters who represent the future of our community and our country joined their voices to make a resounding call for change.

"Over the past year, thousands of hard-working janitors, nurses, child care providers and other SEIU Latino members and volunteers have worked tirelessly--registering new voters, knocking on doors, phone-banking, and fighting to ensure that every eligible vote is counted.

"As a result, today we are seeing the power of the Latino electorate to decide elections. We are also standing witness to the growing might of a new, diverse, highly-motivated democratic majority that will change American politics into the future."

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