Washington, D.C. – In a letter sent today to Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-VT), the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., endorsed the nomination of Alberto Gonzales for U.S. Attorney General.

“Not only is Judge Gonzales a compelling American success story, it is also clear that few candidates for this post have been as well qualified. He has served as Texas’ secretary of state, as a member of the Texas Supreme Court, and as White House counsel, and has been deeply involved in his community throughout his life,” stated Janet Murguia, NCLR President and CEO.

Murguia also noted that Gonzales has constructively addressed several key public policy issues of great importance to the Hispanic community including criminal justice reform and immigration enforcement. “We are encouraged that in response to questioning, Judge Gonzales agreed to review the Administration’s positions on sentencing reform and articulated some reservations about the practice of ‘deputizing’ local police to enforce immigration laws.”

If confirmed, Gonzales would be the first Hispanic attorney general and the first Latino to serve in one of the four major cabinet posts – Secretary of State, Treasury, Defense, and Attorney General.

“While we have had our policy differences with the Bush Administration, we are confident that Judge Gonzales is someone who will serve his country with distinction and who will also be accessible and responsive to the concerns of the Hispanic community. We urge the Senate Judiciary Committee and the U.S. Senate to confirm him as soon as possible,” concluded Murguia.

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