Hispanic Heritage Sites in Colo., NM considered for national, historic status

A new report has identified several sites in Colorado and New Mexico important to Hispanic heritage that could one day become national parks or historic landmarks. The sites also happen to be in swing states important to President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign, The Washington Post’s blog the Federal Eye reported.

The report was requested by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar as part of his plan to establish more national parks and historic sites important to minorities. However, the sites in states with growing Hispanic populations can be viewed as an appeal to a voting bloc important to the Obama’s re-election and highlights how Cabinet secretaries can be used to further that goal, according to the Post.

Salazar is the administration’s most senior Hispanic official and plans to visit Colorado to formally announce the report. Obama won both Colorado and New Mexico in 2008 mostly due to the strength of support from Hispanics, the Post reported.