For Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., there’s one Hollywood type that embodies the Hispanic outreach he’s looking for.
“Eva Longoria. Eva, Eva. Eva really has used … her stardom in a very positive way for the community … on a whole host of critical issues. And she has not been afraid to do that,” Menendez told Yeas & Nays at the Ibarra Strategy Group debut event Tuesday.
Longoria’s most recent appearance on Capitol Hill was in November 2009, lobbying with the National Museum of the American Latino Commission. She has worked with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and was named Philanthropist of the Year in 2009 by the Hollywood Reporter for her work promoting Latino causes.
Menendez said he hopes other Latinos in Hollywood will follow Longoria’s lead, but added that he sees some resistance.
“One of the challenges is that many Latino artists think that staying away from politics is better for their career,” Menendez said.
But there are some celebs, he added, who he thinks may be inching their way into politics.
“I think we have begun to see a sense of Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez to get to feel their way into how to do that. I would love to see them be more engaged,” Menendez said. You know, Jimmy Smits, who has been engaged to some degree.”
Also spotted at the debut party: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and National Education Association head John Wilson.
