Pro-Life Hispanic Democrat Runs in California Recall Election
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
August 25, 2003
Sacramento, CA (LifeNews.com) — He may not have as much of a chance as the major candidates to win California’s recall election in October, but Catholic businessman Daniel Ramirez offers pro-life Democrats a chance to vote for one of their own.
Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamente (D) is making a significant appeal to the large Hispanic community in the state and attempting to keep a low profile on his pro-abortion views. That makes Ramirez’s candidacy a good protest vote.
"The whole idea with this is to wake up the sleeping giant in California, which is the 15 million pro-life Democratic, Hispanic voters. If we can do that, we have succeeded," Ramirez says.
Ramirez may not be well known statewide, but he made a dent in his hometown.
In 2002, he challenged incumbent pro-abortion Democrat Bob Filner (D). Though he lost in the primary, Ramirez captured more than 60 percent of the vote in Imperial County, his home turf.
The 57-year-old father of two and former U.S. Marine Corps band bugler has never held political office, but he thinks he will succeed eventually because of his background in the Mexican-American business world. The owner of Calexico’s San Diego Auto Mart said he has negotiated deals with Mexican businessmen for years.
Ramirez says he is running for governor in large part because of his pro-life beliefs.
"No. 1, I love this state. I’m a devout Catholic Christian — I try to be — and love of the unborn. That’s my motivating point," he explained.
He is backing a signature-gathering effort to put a parental notification proposal on the November 2004 ballot.
"I vigorously support promoting a ballot initiative, https://www.tell-a-parent.org, that will assure that a parent must be notified before a daughter — even as young as 13 — can undergo a taxpayer-funded abortion," Ramirez explained.
Karen Weaver, president of California Democrats for Life, calls Ramirez earnest and very sincere about his pro-life views.
Raimundo Rojas, Director of Hispanic Outreach for the National Right to Life Committee is pleased to see more pro-life Hispanics running for elected office.
"We in the Hispanic Community really appreciate someone with Mr. Ramirez’ convictions. He aims to represent all Hispanics – born and unborn," Rojas explained.
"While Bustamente hides his pro-abortion stance from Hispanics under the pro-abortion skirts of the Democratic Party, Daniel Ramirez stands for his principles. This may not be the election Mr. Ramirez will win, but his day will come."
Ramirez isn’t alone as a pro-life candidate for Governor, though he is likely the only pro-life Democrat.
Pro-life state Sen. Tom McClintock is the only major candidate and — especially with businessman Bill Simon withdrawing from the race — is viewed by pro-life groups as the best chance to elect a pro-life candidate.
But, for those who can’t bring themselves to vote for McClintock, Daniel Ramirez may be a great second choice.
