Hispanic Caucus dispute comes just as group poised for influence

Mar 13, 3:43 AM EDT
By ERICA WERNER
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rep. Raul Grijalva says he feels like he's been in a "telenovela" - a steamy Spanish-language soap opera - as the Congressional Hispanic Caucus wrestles with a nasty power struggle, complete with accusations of name-calling.

The group has squandered time on a "circus," the Arizona Democrat laments, and must "get back to the business we were elected to do."

Grijalva's frustration is shared by other Latino lawmakers and advocates as infighting has snarled the 21-member, all-Democratic group just as its power should be at its peak. Democrats finally are in control of Congress, the caucus represents the nation's fastest-growing minority group, immigration reform is a national priority and many individual Hispanic lawmakers have risen to key leadership posts.

Sound familiar?

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