Bush opens his night saluting Latinos

NEW YORK, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- George W. Bush's big night at the Republican National Convention opened Thursday with a video salute to America's Latino community.

The short film featured a tribute to the record number of Latinos who have held senior posts in the Bush administration, including White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales and former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin of California.

The high profile role given to Latinos in the administration and throughout the convention activities is, insiders say, a sign of the president's continuing commitment to bring Hispanic Americans and immigrants generally into the Republican party.

Among the initiatives touted by the Bush campaign in this regard is the No Child Left Behind education reform law and the Bush program to expand home ownership over the next four years.