Every Republican 2016 Candidate Turns Down Invitation From Latino Conference

[marmar]

WASHINGTON -- When hundreds of Latinos gather next week for a candidate forum at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute conference, they won't hear from any Republicans, though not for a lack of trying on the part of the organizers.

CHCI spokesman Irving Burbano said the group contacted every presidential campaign except that of GOP candidate Donald Trump about the Oct. 7 candidate session, but only two Democratic candidates are scheduled to attend: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton won't be at that session, but is speaking at the conference the following day.

The nonpartisan, nonprofit Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute hosts a public policy conference in Washington every year with Latino leaders and officials, as well as an appearance from President Barack Obama. Organizers expect more than 1,000 people this year for the conference and more than 500 at the candidate forum specifically.

Candidates often have busy schedules. But at a time when they are competing for Latino votes, very few are seizing the chance to speak to this ready-made audience. ...................(more)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/latino-conference-presidential-candidates_560d8b9ae4b0768127013703?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000013&section=politics

[spanone]

1. appears republicans offer latinos lip-service only

[Person 2713]

3. Rubio? Cruz? afraid of Trump . Jeb?

Edit to add sorry meant to reply to the OP

[librechik]

2. Republican Outreach n/t

[hedda_foil]

4. Where's Hillary?

[Jim Lane]

5. It's especially surprising that some of the bottom-tier Republicans declined.

The article says that the organizers expect 500 people to attend the candidate forum. Where else are George Pataki and Lindsey Graham going to have the chance to speak to that many people?