The Latino factor

One of he most engimatic -- and unknown -- factors in the race for the Board of Supervisors is the Latino vote.
The Mexican American Political Association is holding a rally this morning on behalf of state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas, but the vote remains very much up in the air in his close contest with Councilman Bernard Parks.
Latinos account for some 95,000 voters in the 2nd District and are expected to have a critical impact on the race.
"In every election Latinos are becoming an important factor in the outcome. We want to make sure Latinos know who Mark Ridley Thomas is, what he stands for, and why Latinos must support him," says immigrant right leader Angelica Salas.
The race has broad implications, since once elected, it is hard to oust a supervisor.
Civil Rights leader Nativo Lopez says, "This election is one of the most important elections affecting Latinos. The winner will have decisive influence over county programs serving Latinos such as health care, foster care, criminal justice, and transportation. We must not stay silent."