Rep. Baca: Obama Cabinet Needs More Hispanics

Rep. Joe Baca, chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, warned President-elect Barack Obama that he needs to include more Hispanics in his administration if he wants the caucus’s support.

“If it’s just one, he’s going to have to answer to a lot of the issues that come before us,” Baca told Bloomberg.

Obama so far has nominated only one Hispanic, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D), for a Cabinet post. Richardson is Obama’s designated Commerce secretary.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also sent a letter to Obama recommending 14 Hispanics for the eight unfilled Cabinet positions.

“The individuals we have endorsed constitute the best talent while reflecting the diversity that is so valued by President-elect Obama,” the letter reads.

One caucus member, Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.), is under consideration to become the United State Trade Representative for the new administration.