Now that the great Latino hope in the race — New Mexico governor Bill Richardson — is gone, members of his presidential steering committee, some prominent Arizona Latinos, are getting behind Barack Obama. The Arizona Republic reports that it’s Obama’s work on issues that touch the Latino community — such as racial profiling — and his personal experience with immigration that makes him a strong bet for these Latino leaders:

John Laredo, former Arizona House Minority Leader, said that the work Obama, who is an Illinois senator, has done against racial profiling and other issues have benefited Latinos.

“His history as a civil-rights attorney, in particular his focus on voting rights, his support of the Dream Act – those things are what matters to the Latino community here,” he said. “We need someone that’s not going to take our vote for granted.”

State Rep. Steve Gallardo, D-Phoenix, said Obama’s experience addressing the needs of people of color is documented. “Look at what he’s done for minorities and Latinos in Illinois,” he told Latino voters.

“When you look at education, health care, housing and particularly immigration, Obama has been at the forefront.”

Former State Sen. Alfredo Gutierrez said because Obama’s father was from Kenya, Obama can relate to many Latinos’ desire for immigration reform.

Could this be an indicator of Latino heavyweight endorsements to come? The more important question is whether Latino voters — in the Southwest and beyond — will join him.

Via / Arizona Republic