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Posted on 05/15/2006 9:58:42 AM PDT by Spunky
OLYMPIA -- Mexican President Vicente Fox will visit Yakima on May 24 on the first day of his two-day visit to Washington, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced Thursday.
It's been known for more than a week that Fox would visit Seattle to meet with business leaders and members of the Latino community.
Speaking to reporters via conference call from New Zealand, where she is in the middle of a trade mission, Gregoire said she asked Fox to visit Eastern and Western Washington. She received word Wednesday that he would.
"I'm very pleased he accepted that invitation," she said.
It's expected that Fox will spend that Wednesday in Yakima before leaving for Seattle in the late afternoon. A specific itinerary for his Yakima visit hasn't been nailed down but Gregoire said she'd like Fox to visit with farmers and farm workers to see their work firsthand.
"I think it's important for him to see what's going on in Central Washington with respect to agriculture," she said.
It's expected that Mexican immigrants from throughout the region will flock to Yakima to catch a glimpse of Fox.
"Wow, what an opportunity," said West Richland's Tony Bene-gas. "It's going to be a big deal."
Benegas, vice chairman of the state's Republican National Hispanic Assembly, said he has political differences with Fox "but he is still the president of Mexico, goodness gracious. That's a real feather in Christine Gregoire's hat."
Pasco's Gabriel Portugal, vice chairman of the state's Hispanic Affairs Commission, already was planning a trip with others to see Fox in Seattle and said many more now will get a chance to see him.
"That is a great addition to his plans," Portugal said. "We sometimes feel neglected because the big cities like Seattle and Spokane tend to get all the attention. I'm really pleased things are working our way for the eastern side."
"It's an honor to see him," Portugal said.
Fox is scheduled to leave office this year but he'll still wield influence in Mexico, Gregoire said. She hopes to improve relations with Mexico and "this is the foundation for that."
Besides immigration, Gregoire said she'd also like to talk with Fox about drug trafficking and improving the Mexican economy so people don't feel the need to flea to the United States for jobs.
Ping!
Ole! Ole! Viva el presidente Fox! Viva el presidente Bushie!
Ping!
Nothing more than a pro Mexico rally on our US soil.
So he's coming to speak to his people?
Send the ICE (INS)!!!
Proofreading - One of those jobs Americans won't do.
Now why would an illegal governor extend such a gracious invitation to the leader of one of the most corrupt countries in the world? Perhaps to take some one and one lessons?
Sounds like a great day for real Americans to "greet" him. If I were in the area, I would most certaily show up to shout his sorry butt down.
Say WA? Evergreen State ping
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Well they are border "jumpers"
The big question is, will President Bush be there to give him a big kiss?
I am beginning to believe we have already lost our state to Mexico.
He's looking for a summer job.
Took Canada 30 years to calm down from that stunt.
Actually, if they just used him for chum to attract illegals then roll them up and send them back to Mexico, his visit would be a good thing.
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