'Access to Education' Deemed a Top Priority to the 100 Most Influential U.S. Hispanics.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- The October issue of Hispanic Business magazine features the Hispanic Business 100 Most Influential Hispanics(R), the annual directory of the leading Hispanics in the United States. Ranging from powerful corporate executives to prominent professors and celebrities, 82 percent of this year's Influentials identified "access to education" as the top priority for the national Hispanic agenda.

While economic development, immigration reform, and access to affordable healthcare were also seen as key issues, education was clearly seen as the crucial aid to Hispanic professional and social advancement.

The political leanings of this year's influentials were decidedly more to the left than in previous years, highlighting Hispanics' growing dissatisfaction with the Bush administration on issues such as education, the economy, foreign policy, and immigration. Fifty percent of survey respondents identified themselves as Democrats, while 23.5 percent were Republican and 14.7 percent were independent.

The Hispanic Business 100 Most Influential Hispanics were selected based on their accomplishments over the past year, their influence in prominent corporations, and their ability to inspire and motivate other Hispanics to advance professionally. The list includes current and emerging national leaders who are either well known themselves or hold key positions in prominent U.S. organizations. The list will be published in the October issue of Hispanic Business magazine and on its companion Web site, http://www.HispanicBusiness.com.

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