Commentary:
By Jerome Orlando Torres

November 6, 2012, will long be remembered as a cathartic moment for the American Latino. Incensed by the verbal assault directed at Latino immigrants by the Republican Party and its Tea Party ideologues during the presidential campaign as well as the legislative assault in Statehouses throughout the South, we used our best weapon in response: our vote. In one synchronized voice, El Grito (or shout-out) reverberated across the American political landscape.

After losing 71% of the Latino vote, resulting in pivotal loses in the swing states of Nevada, Florida and Colorado, Republicans were deprived of the White House. Joining the coalition of Democratic voters, Latinos helped prevent Republicans from control of the U.S. Senate and weakened their political strength in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the aftermath, so-called political pundits have suddenly had an epiphany: America is undergoing a fundamental demographic change and Latinos are the primary force.

Chastened by the prospect of further political defeats in 2014 and 2016, Republicans in Congress and elsewhere are feigning contrition. They never understood, for Latinos, the primary issue wasn’t the economy, jobs, abortion, or family values. It was about respect. Provide that first. Then, we’ll listen to your party platform – maybe.

Locally, the Latino vote was instrumental in providing Bob Filner victory in the Mayor’s race. DiMaio never had a chance with Latino voters. He can thank his friend and mentor, former Governor Pete Wilson for that. Ever since Proposition 187, the California Republican Party has been dying a slow death. It has been reduced to permanent minority status and potential irrelevancy. The time will come when the Arizona Republican Party will suffer the same fate at the hands of Governor Brewer. Why? It’s called critical mass. Numbers count. It is no coincidence 28 Latinos were elected to the 113th Class of the U.S. House of Representatives, the most ever. Or that the California Legislature has 23 Latinos among its ranks.

In California, the inevitable ascension of Latino political power at the state and local level is happening. This certitude stems from the reality that, not since the founding of our State, Latino children now comprise the numerical majority in California’s public schools. For a look into the future, one needs to look no further than New Mexico where 47% of the total population is Latino. Today, the Governor and Lt. Governor as well as 41% of the legislature are Latino – both as Democrats and Republicans. In one or two generations, the same will be said of Texas, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. Yes, it will even be realized in San Diego County. The ranks of Latinos eligible to vote are growing unabated. This is a terrifying thought for many fearful of the implications. No vested interest gives up political power freely.

So, what do we do now?

At the national level, we must seize the moment and ensure Republicans and Democrats enact comprehensive immigration reform. This includes a pathway toward full citizenship for the millions of undocumented Latinos who have and continue to positively contribute to our society.

In California, with the passage of Proposition 30, we must ensure that real education reform takes place that addresses the academic needs of Latino children.

In San Diego, we must hold Mayor-elect Filner to his word that he will focus on neighborhoods and not on downtown business interests. We must also ensure Mayor Filner provides Latinos a seat at the table when it comes to developing policies that benefit the neighborhoods within which we live.

In Chula Vista and Escondido, we must be fully engaged to ensure that City Council districts are created fairly to promote Latino empowerment. With the passage of Proposition B, a framework has been created in Chula Vista.

With the defeat of the City Charter Amendment in Escondido, the struggle continues so long as Mayor Abed and his majority are in office thereby guaranteeing further litigation and acrimony. We just have to be patient and relentless. Our time will come.

Jerome Torres is a resident of San Diego.