Hispanic Caucus Urges Appointment of a Qualified Latino to Replace Florida Senator Mel Martinez

 WASHINGTON,  -- The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) urges the appointment of a qualified Latino to replace retiring Senator  Mel Martinez  as Senator from the State of Florida. In a letter to Governor Crist dated August 20th, 2009, Representative  Joseph Miro , President of NHCSL, called on the Governor to follow the will of Floridians who elected  Mel Martinez  to the U.S. Senate.

Florida's population, featuring one of the largest, most diverse and politically active Latino populations in the country, should continue to be represented by a qualified Latino ... Florida offers many qualified Latinos with the sophistication, understanding of the entire state, and political standing to represent its communities well, wrote President Miro.

Senator  Mel Martinez  is one of only two seated U.S. Senators of Latino descent. NHCSL's President reminded the Governor that Latinos remain underrepresented in the U.S. Senate and that Florida's population elected a Latino -- which the Governor's appointment should reflect. "Leaving only one sitting Latino Senator would be a great loss to the national community and directly ignore the will of Floridians. I strongly urge the Governor to appoint a Latino who represents the state's communities and its vote," said President Miro.

ABOUT NHCSL

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 300 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org .

    Contact:
    Jason Llorenz
    (202) 434-8070
    jason.llorenz@nhcsl.org 
SOURCE National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators