Robert de Posada: Latino Coalition:
"This is a very serious issue for our community and no politician should take this lightly. We urge the Senate to act responsibly and urge an up or down vote. "
Hispanic organizations represented today. No Senators present.
Reporter asks about where TV ads are being run.
Nebraska, N. Carolina, DC...perhaps more.
Re. the press conference. Kay Daly.."These events are popping up pretty rapidly." Expects more press conferences in cities across the country.
"We endorsed Mary Landrieu ...for her to flip-flop.." Both Ms. Daly and Mr. de Posada talk about the Democrats promising support for a candidate while running, only to vote against them.
Christian Coalition reporter says that they've activated people in almost every state to fight for Miguel. Wants to know what the hispanic community thinks?
Juan Carlos Iterregui: Re. the hispanic business community "people are dumbfounded...for a variety of reasons. It confuses people." Mr. Iterregui says that within the pool of qualified candidates to fill the very large empty judiciary holes - "Miguel is at the top."
"We don't want to be treated as double standards." -Robert de Posada
"Lulac, the oldest hispanic organization has endorsed Miguel.." Brigida Benitez, speaking for the "grassroots" hispanic community:
"The hispanic community wants Miguel to be confirmed...certainly to be treated fairly."
"To suggest that all hispanics have to think the same way on an issue is something I would dispute."
"He can't make statements that would committ or appear to commit him on controversial issues." On the ABA Code itself (the Dem. Senators are asking Miguel to break a judicial code of ethics).
Reporter asks if this is about the USSC.
C. Boyden. "That's pretty cynical...It's created some real problems within the judiciary.
"What we're seeing is the undermining of the delivery of justice in this country at the federal level...It isn't just a question of fairness to Miguel Estrada. That's important. It's a question of the whole system."
End of press conference. At least a dozen pro-Miguel speakers, at least 20 reporters, many staying to talk.