November 9, 2010

CASA de Maryland ramps up political efforts

The political wing of CASA de Maryland devoted thousands of dollars this election cycle to push for Hispanic-backed candidates. But some argue the group should stay out of politics while accepting taxpayer money. CASA in Action, the sister organization run by the state's largest immigration advocacy group, spent $35,000 this election on phone banks, mailers and door-to-door canvassing across the state.

The group attempted to call every Latino voter, up to three times each, in Montgomery and Prince George's counties and portions of Baltimore City and Carroll County. Members also knocked on the doors of thousands of Hispanic households in the 20 most Spanish-speaking areas in the region.

"Facing down a stream of xenophobic attacks by Republican candidates, my community responded exactly as they should," said CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres, who is also the leader of the political organization. "They marched to the power of the vote."

But a growing number of critics say the political efforts interfered with the group's service pursuits. SOURCE: Washington Examiner

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