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Pelosi Congratulates Villaraigosa, Recognizes Growing Latino Political Force

July 1, 2005

Pelosi Congratulates Villaraigosa, Recognizes Growing Latino Political Force

Friday, July 1, 2005

Contact: Brendan Daly/Federico de Jesús, 202-225-0100

Los Angeles â€" House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi attended the swearing-in ceremony today of the new Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and celebrated the growing political force of Latinos in California and across the nation.

Villaraigosa, who previously served as an L.A. city councilman and as California Assembly Speaker, became the first Latino mayor of Los Angeles since 1872.

â€Å"I congratulate Antonio Villaraigosa on his historic achievement and commend his efforts to unite the diverse community of Los Angeles, our state, and the nation,” Pelosi said. â€Å"In California, we say that the beauty is in the mix. Latinos and all Americans should be proud of his example of hard work and dedication to serve others. His campaign reflected unity, working together with all races, and Latinos have a powerful voice in him.

â€Å"Democrats are committed to uniting our country and fighting for the issues that Latinos and all American working families care about the most,” she said. â€Å"We will continue to promote the agenda of providing a quality education to all our children, equal access to affordable health care, and the advancement of prosperity for all. These values have an outstanding standard bearer in Mayor Villaraigosa.

â€Å"He has focused on improving education, enforcing strict ethical standards for public officials, and strengthening the security of our communities. These are not only core Democratic values, they are American principles.”