Based upon the nominee’s long
and distinguished legal career which includes serving as the President’s chief
counsel, a justice of the Texas Supreme Court, and Texas Secretary of State; the
LULAC Board is confident that Alberto Gonzales will make an outstanding Attorney
General who will continue to make sound legal decisions that take into account
the positions of LULAC and other civil rights organizations.
“Alberto Gonzales has always
had an open door policy with LULAC and has often supported our positions on
issues of importance to Latinos,” stated Hector M. Flores, LULAC National
President. “He was actively involved with LULAC during his time as an attorney
in Houston and he has continued to be supportive of Hispanic organizations
throughout his career. We are delighted that the President has seen fit to
nominate one of our best and brightest to the highest legal post in the federal
government.”
The LULAC Board also noted
the great significance of having a Latino nominated for the first time to head
one of the four major Cabinet departments. “We have urged the President to
nominate Hispanics to important Cabinet positions in his second term, and we are
greatly encouraged that his first nomination to head a principal federal
department after his re-election is a well-qualified Latino,” stated Brent
Wilkes, LULAC National Executive Director. “We encourage the President to
continue appointing well qualified Hispanics to high-ranking positions
throughout his administration.”
Born in San Antonio and
raised in Houston with seven brothers and sisters, Gonzales served in the US Air
Force and received his JD from Harvard Law School. In addition to his
outstanding legal career, he has been deeply involved with the Hispanic
community, serving as Director of Catholic Charities, Director of Big Brothers
and Sisters, President of the Houston Hispanic Bar Association, and President of
the Houston Hispanic Forum. In 2003, he was awarded the LULAC President’s Award
at the LULAC National Legislative Awards Gala in Washington, DC for his
commitment in supporting Latino issues as White House Counsel.
“Al Gonzales is a wonderful
example of the American Dream. He rose from humble beginnings and has now been
nominated to the top legal position in our country,” stated Ray Velarde, LULAC
National Legal Advisor. “Based on his strong community involvement and his solid
legal track record, we believe that Judge Gonzales will make a thoughtful,
balanced Attorney General who will continue to respect LULAC’s positions on
legal issues affecting minority communities.”
The League of United Latin
American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights
organization in the United States. LULAC advances the economic condition,
educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of
Hispanic Americans through community-based programs run by more than 700 LULAC
councils nationwide.
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