Democrats court Hispanics during World Cup

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON - World Cup soccer is "mas que un partido" — more than a game — to a group of Democrats. It's a chance to win over Hispanic voters.

The New Democrat Network is starting a $2 million Spanish-language campaign of radio and television ads urging Hispanics to get involved in the political process. The five-month effort begins with ads during the World Cup soccer games that begin this weekend in Germany.

Simon Rosenberg, president of the New Democrat Network, said the group wants to use a "major sport like soccer to brand Democrats for a wider audience."

The TV ad shows an empty soccer field as an announcer says: "For years now, we've been awaiting this moment. Our country is again ready to return to being the great nation that all of us always dreamed of. Get involved. It's up to you."

The ads will run on Univision, Telefutura, Fox Sports en Espanol and Futbol de Primera, the radio soccer network of well-known broadcaster Andres Cantor. Cantor — know for his trademark exclamation "GOOOOALLLLL!" — will be featured on an early radio ad.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060608/ap_on_el_ge/courting_hispanics

[RagingInMiami]

1. Very smart move

Among Hispanics in Miami, the World Cup has been the dominating conversation topic this week. Everywhere I go, I hear it discussed.