By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-860133.mp3
Albany, NY – With the Albany Mayoral race heating up, a local independent blog raised eyebrows when it published an article entitled "Capital Region Latino Parade Rejects Latino" - Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas takes a closer look at the first Latino candidate for Mayor's struggle for recognition.
Nathan LeBron is the Republican Mayoral Candidate who will face off in November against the democratic primary winner. The blogger alleges LeBron is being snubbed by both the parade and the man who was its Grand Marshall last year - Juan George, publisher of "Latino New York."
George notes that as a not-for-profit, the parade isn't allowed to endorse political candidates. LeBron says the group offered to include him in "another event" which he feels would likely be "too late" to help his campaign. He also says he's been trying to get coverage for his campaign through "Latino New York," but has not been successful.
When it comes to the general election, LeBron says he would prefer a November run against incumbent Mayor Jerry Jennings, although political strategists have told him he'd have a better shot facing off against Corey Ellis.
The president and vice president of the Capital Region Latino Parade did not return phone calls or answer emails soliciting comment. The author of the blog Albany Citizen One counts Nathan LeBron as a friend but states (quoting email) "He never asked me to do an article and I didn't tell him until after I posted it."
The 3rd Annual Capital Region Latino Parade will be held on Saturday, September 19th in Albany, New York commencing promptly at 2pm. The parade line-up will begin at 12 PM in front of the Lake House in Washington Park. The parade will leave Washington park Lake House at 2:00pm follow down Madison Avenue to the Empire State Plaza.
The Capital Region Latino Parade, Inc. has named Yolanda Vega from the New York State Lottery to be the Grand Marshall of this years parade.