HispanicBusiness

NEW YORK, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie, former U.S. Treasurer and 2004 California delegate Rosario Marin, and Maryland Lt. Gov. and 2004 delegate Michael Steele today announced a 70 percent increase among minority delegates compared to the 2000 Republican convention. With President George W. Bush leading the ticket, African- American representation is up an estimated 65 percent and Asian-American representation is up nearly 40 percent. This month, Hispanic delegates will be the largest minority group represented, adding another 15 percent to the 100 percent surge the Republican Party saw between the 1996 and 2000 delegations.

"When Republicans host our first-ever convention in New York City this month, we will welcome the most diverse group of delegates in our party's history," said Mr. Gillespie. "Under the steady leadership and optimistic vision of President Bush, the Republican Party is celebrating a milestone achievement in our party's connection with America's minorities."

"President Bush's policies are producing results for all Americans and minority voters across the nation are responding to his optimistic agenda to advance ownership and opportunity in every community," said Lt. Gov. Steele. "Voters respond to his record of achievement -- providing Americans with lower taxes, less government, better schools, pro-family and pro-business policies, a strong military and a secure homeland."

The Republican National Committee recently completed certification of the 2,509 delegates and 2,344 alternate delegates who will make up the most diverse Republican delegation in the party's history. In 2004, minorities make up 17 percent of total delegates and women make up 44 percent. In 2000, minorities made up 10 percent of total delegates and women made up 36 percent. In 1996, minorities made up 6.3 percent of total delegates and women made up 33 percent.

"Thanks to President George W. Bush, the Republican Party is making historic progress with America's minorities," said former U.S. Treasurer and 2004 California delegate Rosario Marin. "Minority voters understand that the president's policies are good for the nation as a whole -- and they are taking action in their communities to re-nominate and support President Bush."

Unlike the Democrat's quota system, the Republican Party's open process has garnered a percentage increase 4 times greater than the percentage of minorities at the Democratic Convention since 2000. In comparison, the well documented Democratic Party system and slight increase in minority representation at the 2004 Democratic National Convention (from 2000) also illustrates that minorities are connecting with the Republican Party.

The economic recovery is strong, and over 1.5 million new jobs have been added since last August. At 5.6%, the unemployment rate is below the average of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Unemployment rates have fallen across all levels of education, races, and ages over the past year. For both African- Americans and Latinos, the unemployment rate is down by 1.5 percentage points. President Bush continues to promote pro-growth policies to strengthen our economy, and to take actions that will expand opportunities for jobs and ownership.

Under President Bush's leadership, the American homeownership rate is at a record high at 68.6 percent and minority homeownership is at an all-time high. In June 2002, the president announced the goal of increasing the number of minority homeowners by at least 5.5 million families before the end of the decade. Only 18 months later, the census estimates an increase of 1.53 million minority homeowners.

President Bush believes that every child in America can learn and he signed the No Child Left Behind legislation -- the most sweeping education reforms in a generation. He has challenged our nation to ensure that every child is equipped with the skills needed to succeed in life and compete in the new economy. The president has increased federal funding for K through 12 by 49 percent from 2001. Under the President's budget, funding for historically black colleges is at an all-time high.

Through the President's leadership, significant progress has been made towards bringing more faith-based and community organizations into the federal grants process and the positive results are being seen in communities across the nation. Through drug treatment centers, mentoring programs, food banks, health centers, job training centers, and other services, these providers are meeting the immediate and future needs of more Americans.

President Bush has appointed one of the most diverse cabinets in the history of America. He recently signed into law new free trade agreements, including the African Growth and Opportunity Acceleration Act of 2004, that will help create higher-paying jobs for American workers by opening new markets for American products and services, bringing lower prices and more choices to American consumers, and attracting foreign companies to invest and hire in the United States.

The 2004 Republican National Convention will be held for the first time ever in New York City at Madison Square Garden from August 30 - September 2, 2004. Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to visit the city for the occasion.

For more information about the 2004 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at http://www.gopconvention.com/.

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