[onyx]

A Democratic filibuster to prevent an up-or-down vote on U.S. Appeals Court nominee Miguel Estrada is also fueling a backlash in the Hispanic and Latino communities.

The news media have given the Estrada story little attention lately but the GOP has been flogging the story for all its worth in the less-visible, under-the-radar Hispanic media.

Yessiree. Latino radio is hearing all about Estrada. I know, I monitor two stations.

[votelife]

Here's some good quotes.

"We urge every Senator to treat Miguel Estrada fairly and to vote to confirm." - Hispanic Bar Assn.

"We don't want to be treated as double standards." -Robert de Posada, Latino Coalition

"This is a very serious issue for our community and no politician should take this lightly. We urge the Senate to act responsibly and urge an up or down vote. " - Robert de Posada, Latino Coalition

"It's of grave concern to those of us with family in the military and overseas that Rome is burning while the Senate is fiddling." - Kay Daly, spokesperson for the "Coalition for a Fair Judiciary."

"We rarely have seen, if ever, a record of accomplishment (like) Miguel Estrada." - Juan Carlos Iturregui, Hispanic National Bar Assn.

"We urge Senate to vote on this confirmation NOW. Not next month..." -Juan Carlos Iturregui, Hispanic National Bar Assn.

"We also are concerned that some members of the Senate are trying to impose a higher standard of review that is unprecidented." - Juan Carlos Iturregui, Hispanic National Bar Assn.