Latinos compiling a candidate list

Segura, who is running for a West Valley House seat, is on the Proyecto Latino hit list, right beneath Rep. Glenn Donnelson, R-North Ogden, who is the No. 1 target Yapias and others would like to see ousted from the Legislature. Donnelson sponsored HB7, a failed bill to repeal a state law granting in-state tuition to some undocumented students and other bills aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. Rep. Margaret Dayton, chairwoman of the House Education Committee, which voted to move HB7 to the House floor, is also opposed.

"They were all lined up anyway," Segura said. "It's no surprise."

Meanwhile, Yapias said he supports Rep. David Ure, R-Kamas, who is running for a state Senate seat, along with Rep. Jim Ferrin, R-Orem.

Ure, who sponsored the in-state tuition law several sessions ago and who worked hard to keep this year's bill off the floor, said the endorsement is "a Catch 22" that is bringing him criticism from some and accolades from others.

"Virtually everywhere I go, people are associating my name with the Latino community and asking where I stand on immigration," Ure said. "As I am going door to door, it is a very emotional priority. I am finding it everywhere."

Ure said border security needs to be a top priority, along with a feasible visa program.

Ferrin, who voted to move the repeal of Ure's bill in the House Education Committee but voted against hearing debate on a substitute version, wasn't sure why he got the group's endorsement, since "I don't advocate amnesty."

Like Ure, Ferrin says a secure border should be the federal government's No. 1 priority.

Yapias said the endorsements aren't based on one vote but on a candidate's history. Ferrin, he said, "has supported us in the past."

On a federal level, all three of Utah's congressmen voted for a measure to crack down on illegal immigration, but Republican Rep. Chris Cannon garnered the Utah Latino group's endorsement. Cannon has said that he voted for HR4437 to move the debate closer to a conference committee, where he hoped to produce comprehensive immigration reform.

Joe Hunter, Cannon's chief of staff, said "we're very pleased" with the endorsement but added, "Hispanic voters are not single-issue voters.

"This is not just about immigration; they are worried about jobs and education, just like everybody else," Hunter said.

Yapias said Proyecto Latino is also endorsing Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who last week opposed comprehensive measures because of his work on the DREAM Act, to give undocumented youths a way to earn legal status through education, or military or community service.

Yapias said Cannon and Hatch have both been outspoken and taken flak, but it's hard to say where Democrat Rep. Jim Matheson or Republican Rob Bishop stand. He said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, has also been somewhat mum.

"It's either black or white for me," Yapias said. "Is the candidate supporting our cause or not?"

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com