OBAMA CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES NATIONAL CHAIR OF LATINO AND HISPANIC FUNDRAISING

CHICAGO (May 8, 2008) -- The Obama Campaign has announced the appointment of Francisco “Frank” Sánchez, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Transportation, as the National Chair of Latino and Hispanic Fundraising. Sánchez is also an advisor on Latin American policy for the campaign.

In this capacity, Sanchez will Co-Chair the Obama Hispanic Leadership Council with Illinois Attorney Manny Sanchez. The newly formed Council will work with the national finance team to increase the already growing enthusiasm and fundraising efforts for the Obama campaign in the Hispanic community.

“Barack Obama is the candidate in this race who will deliver change we can believe in,” said Sánchez. “During the course of this campaign, we have seen thousands of inspired Latinos turning out to do whatever it takes to spread Senator Obama’s message of bringing our country together. We need a president with the leadership and judgment not only to unite our country but specifically to address the issues affecting Latinos. Senator Obama’s record proves that he will be a strong advocate for Latinos nationwide.”

“I am proud to have the support of such an influential pioneer in the Latino community,” Senator Obama said. “Frank will play a key role in reaching out to Latinos concerning our campaign’s vision for uniting the country.”

In 1999, Sánchez was the Special Assistant to the President of the United States working in the Office of the Special Envoy for the Americas. While at the White House, Sánchez worked with the National Security Council, the State Department, and the U.S. Trade Representative on Western Hemisphere economic integration and the promotion of democracy. He also served as the United States Assistant Secretary of Transportation in the Clinton administration, where he oversaw international negotiations.

Frank graduated from Florida State University, where he received his undergraduate and Law Degrees. He also holds a master's degree in public administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.