U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez to Deliver Lunch Address at 2007 State Convention

For Immediate Release: September 26, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Democratic Party is pleased to announce today that U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) will speak at the Saturday lunch during the 2007 State Convention.

"Senator Menendez's story reflects that of millions of Floridians. Born to immigrant parents, he's dedicated his life to service, rising successfully through the local, state and national levels of government," said Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman, who entered the U.S. House in the same 1993 freshmen class as Menendez. "Today he is one of the nation's most prominent Hispanic elected officials. We're honored that he will join us in inspiring Florida's Democrats at our convention."

Menendez became the first Cuban-American Democrat elected to the Senate in 2006. He has represented New Jersey as a Congressman, State Legislator, Mayor and School Board Member during his distinguished career. In 2002, his colleagues elected him Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, becoming the highest-ranking Hispanic in the history of Congress.

He leads a growing number of Hispanic Democrats engaged in the effort to share the Democratic message of progress, opportunity and inclusion for all with America's diverse and growing Hispanic community. Meanwhile, Republican candidates sadly continue to woo right-wing primary voters by attacking Hispanics, comparing Hispanics immigrants to terrorists, and refusing to participate in bipartisan Hispanic forums and events.

Hispanics in Florida are taking notice. Fed up after traditionally voting Republican, they swung to the left in 2006, with Democrats winning the statewide Hispanic vote for the first time since 1976.

"My constituents in Little Havana are beginning to see through Republican rhetoric and demand new leadership at the national level," said Representative Luis Garcia, Vice Chairman of the Florida Democratic Party. "Senator Menendez' presence at our convention is a clear signal to Florida's 3.4 million Hispanics that the Democratic Party respects your voice and won't ever take it for granted."

Garcia, also a Cuban-American, won a formerly Republican-held state House seat in 2006 and represents the historic Little Havana neighborhood of Miami. In April of this year, Democrat Darren Soto, of Puerto Rican descent, won a special election in Central Florida to take another previously Republican-held seat.

The Florida Democratic Party's 2007 State Convention, sponsored by the Walt Disney World Co., will take place at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort in Lake Buena Vista, October 26-28. Other speakers will be announced in the near future.

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