(Reuters) Immigration marches put charge in Hispanic power

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/immigration_power_dc;_ylt=Arsqs6s0CpGcV365hZsWr2Ws0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--

Immigration marches put charge in Hispanic power

By Jeff Franks 2 hours, 7 minutes ago

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Massive street marches to protest a proposed crackdown on illegal immigration have energized U.S. Hispanics and may signal a new day of Hispanic political involvement.

The demonstrations, which attracted both legal and illegal residents across the country, mean politicians may face an angry Hispanic electorate in which Republicans would be the biggest losers, activists said on Monday.

Half a million people marched in Los Angeles two weeks ago, and another half a million protested in Dallas on Sunday. On Monday, there were smaller marches in more than 60 cities, all to express displeasure with proposed legislation in Washington aimed at clamping down on illegal immigration.

As happened in Los Angeles, the Dallas march stunned the organizers, who expected only 20,000 people in politically conservative Texas.

"Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine half a million people marching in a city that has 1.2 million people," said Lydia Gonzalez Welch, a board member with the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, which promoted the so-called Mega March.

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1. it was a beautiful sight!

[Maraya1969]

2. Another sign that the tide is turning. "Republicans will be the biggest

losers"

If you are greedy, petty and a racist you'd better not run for office anymore. The Latino community just showed us what a powerful presence they are.

Even Fort Myers, Florida was filled with marchers on Monday. It was amazing to see the footage.

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3. and Madison, WI had about 10,000 marchers--Sensennbrenner almost

country--he is to the East of us!

[kurth]

4. Marches prove Homeland Security is worthless

Where is border control?

"Los Angeles, Mexico" is a helluva way to gain hearts and minds.

[electropop]

5. The National Mall was quite full.

Must have been 100,000 or so. It took me over an hour to get home - just across the river, normally a 10-minute commute.