Democrats, feeling pressure, honor Chavez

WASHINGTON, March 30 (UPI) -- The Democratic National Committee Tuesday marked the life of labor leader Cesar Chavez, an event Republicans derided as political.

The impact of Chavez's "life and work transcends any one cause or struggle and continues to influence and inspire millions of Americans," Democratic National Chairman Terry McAuliffe said Tuesday, the 77th anniversary of the labor leader's birth.

Chavez, who led efforts in the 1960s and '70s to unionize migrant farm workers, is a revered figure in the American Latino community.

Leslie Sanchez, a Republican strategist, derided the Democrats' action, saying it's a shame they only reach out to Latinos on anniversaries.