Alright Errol, you are a hard man fi ded. Mek wi save our energy for when Portia becomes PM because I know you will need it then. If I was in Houston I would offer you a beer, but for now the thought will have to suffice. Anyway, in closing, let me leave with this one. And thanks again for the opportunity to run my mouth with my ill-fated one man campaign.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Major Mexican Parties Court Emigrants

By VIK JOLLY
The Orange County Register

Representatives of the three main political parties in Mexico took jabs at each other in a debate Wednesday on issues ranging from foreign investment to what the government should do to create more jobs to stem the flow of immigrants into the United States. Mexican election law prohibits campaigning by candidates overseas, so the forum was a chance for voters to learn about party platforms.

The politicians appeared to agree that even though only a few Mexicans abroad have registered to vote by mail for the first time in the July presidential elections, it was a good first step.

As of last Friday, 31,739 worldwide and nearly 15,000 in the United States had signed up. About 4.2million are eligible, a majority of them in this country.

Some among the 125 in attendance at the forum hosted by the Rancho Santiago Community College District said the 90-minute discussion helped them evaluate party positions, but they remained undecided.

"I have doubts about which one I want to elect," said Francisco Castillo, 54, who left Jalisco 35 years ago. "I have to learn more about each one of them."

CONTACT US: vjolly@ocregister.com or (714) 796-7043

Copyright 2006 The Orange County Register