McCain Woos Hispanics with Economic Plans

Speaking before the 79th Annual League of United Latin American Citizens today, McCain reiterated his commitment to an immigration overhaul as he moves towards winning a bloc of voters that polls show prefer Senator Barack Obama.

McCain highlighted points from his "Jobs for America" plan he unveiled in Denver on Monday by prescribing lower taxes on businesses, boost free trade, and energy independence to fix the struggling economy.

"It is a terrible mistake to raise taxes during an economic downturn. Increasing the tax burden on Americans impedes job growth, discourages innovation and makes us less competitive," McCain said in prepared remarks.

"I have a plan to grow the economy, create more and better jobs, and get America moving again," the Arizona senator added, promising to help small businesses prosper, make health care more affordable, improve education and to free the U.S. from its dependence on foreign oil.

"If you believe you should pay more taxes, I am the wrong candidate for you," McCain said. "Jobs are the most important thing our economy creates."

McCain also spoke of one of his fellow prisoners of war in Vietnam, a Mexican-American, and made reference to the many Hispanic names carved on the Vietnam War memorial. He also paid tribute to the many Hispanic troops now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan who are not yet American citizens.

"Those men and women are my brothers and sisters, my fellow Americans," he said, "an association that means more to me than any other."

Obama has not yet spoken at the League of United Latin American Citizens, but in prepared remarks his campaign released, he attacked McCain by saying: "Now, I know Senator McCain used to buck his party on immigration by fighting for comprehensive reform, and I admired him for it. But when he was running for his party's nomination, he abandoned his courageous stance, and said that he wouldn't even support his own legislation if it came up for a vote."

Obama also claims to have "reached across the aisle in the Senate to fight for comprehensive immigration reform."