The Democratic Latino caucus has bravely done what few of this
state’s leaders have done before: broken from party lines and
stood up for what they believe is right instead of what will get
them re-elected.
The caucus refused to endorse Democratic gubernatorial incumbent
Gray Davis, citing his recent poorly justified veto of legislation
that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to obtain a
driver’s license as a primary cause.
This vetoed bill, authored by Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, is
hugely important to Latinos. A large segment of their population is
undocumented, needing transportation to earn a living wage that in
turn, helps support the state’s economy.
Davis promised to sign the final form of the bill after
negotiations, but he caved since the bill would have likely stirred
controversy among other voters.
Davis cites terrorism as his official reason why he refused to
sign the bill. Apparently, he fears terrorists would use these
driver’s licenses as identification to be granted access to
places like airplanes. This argument fails the test of reason,
since the terrorists of Sept. 11 used fake driver’s licenses
to board planes in the first place.
Davis’ press aide, Roger Salazar, quickly tried to cover
up the Latino caucus’ lack of support for Davis, stating,
“(T)he governor enjoys the support of an overwhelming
majority of the Latino community.”
But this is only a half truth.
After years of living under former Republican Governor Pete
Wilson’s insensitive policies, the Latino community, like
many others, supports the Democratic Party, but not Davis himself.
Under Wilson, Proposition 187 passed, which sought to curb public
services for undocumented immigrants. Proposition 209 also passed,
banning affirmative action in all of California’s public
institutions. These two major policy changes indicated to the
Latino public that the Republican party is unwelcoming and does not
cater to its interests.
Latinos in California vote Democratic because they are
anti-Republican, not because they are pro-Davis. Even if Davis does
not improve their overall living conditions, at least he is not
actively seeking to make it worse.
It is probably discomforting for Davis to know a community only
supports him because he is the lesser of two evils, but this is not
affecting the way he conducts business. Davis exploits the fact
that most of his support in the Latino community is by default,
rather than merit, to pass or veto policies that are not in the
interests of the said constituency, as demonstrated with the
driver’s license bill.
In fact, Davis generally tries to ride the political fence on
many issues of contention and generally favors the side that will
provide him with more support in the next election. Not long ago,
Davis approved Assembly Bill 540, allowing immigrants to pay state
resident tuition at universities, whereas previously they were
required to pay more expensive non-resident fees.
But there is no consistency in his decisions. He is not pro- or
anti-immigration; he flip-flops all the time. Davis makes political
decisions, not moral judgment calls, which is the fundamental
problem with all election-oriented politicians.
Latinos have little hope, though ““ at least in the near
future.
As weak as Davis has been, GOP candidate Bill Simon can’t
possibly be any better. He has said that he too would have vetoed
the immigrant driver’s license legislation, and only would
have reconsidered if the bill included immigration reform policy.
Thus, he would allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s
licenses only if it were much more difficult for immigrants to make
their way into the country in the first place.
Latinos make up the backbone of California’s Democratic
Party, representing a third of the state population, and counting.
If Davis continuously disregards issues Latinos consider important,
not only will it be a disservice to his career in California, but
also to his party.
Republicans can certainly tell him about that.