Rep. Sanchez Quits Hispanic Caucus

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Loretta Sanchez said Wednesday she is quitting the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, citing opposition to the chairmanship of fellow California Democratic Rep. Joe Baca.

It was the latest development in a long-running dispute that has pitted Sanchez and other, mostly female, caucus members against Baca and his supporters.

Sanchez released a statement alleging a "violation of election rules" when Baca was picked as chairman in November.

"Today, I resign from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, chaired by Mr. Baca," her statement said. "I will continue to be a strong and vocal advocate for the Hispanic community."

Baca disputed Sanchez's allegation.

"It's unfortunate that Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez has decided to resign from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and has chosen to air baseless statements," Baca said.

"We cannot allow distractions or personality conflicts to interfere with the important work we are doing," he said in a statement.

When Baca was elected chairman in November he was supported by only one of the six women in the caucus, which then had 21 members. Loretta Sanchez voted "no" while her sister, California Rep. Linda Sanchez, abstained, as did Reps. Nydia Velazquez of New York and Lucille Roybal-Allard and Hilda Solis of California. All caucus members are Democrats.

Dissenters complained at the time that women weren't getting the respect they deserved in the caucus.

Sanchez's statement Wednesday did not elaborate on the claim of election rules violation. In a letter to Baca earlier this month, she, her sister, Solis and Velazquez contended that the vote did not follow procedure because secret ballot votes were not cast.

The letter requested a new vote, by secret ballot. "While this request is not likely to change the results, and while it may seem like a mere formality, it is important that the integrity of the CHC be unquestioned and above reproach," it said.

Sanchez never received a response to the letter, according to her spokeswoman. Baca's statement did not specifically address the election charges, and his spokesman declined to comment beyond the statement.

In another episode, last March, six caucus members _ including Loretta and Linda Sanchez _ cut ties to the group's campaign arm after it helped finance the unsuccessful campaigns of Baca's two sons for seats in the California Legislature.

Baca defended the decision to give money to them and other nonfederal candidates, saying the caucus should seek to build a farm team. Opponents said the focus instead should be on electing Latino House members.

The latest dispute comes as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is aiming to give Hispanic Caucus members a visible role in the new Democratic majority.