Hispanic Democratic Organization

The Hispanic Democratic Organization (HDO) was a political action committee (PAC) officially started in 1993, to aid political power for the Hispanic community in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

History

HDO was created by Tim Degnan, Victor Reyes, and Al Sanchez in 1988 to help Richard M. Daley with his first mayoral election. At first, the organization focused on the South Side of Chicago. HDO expanded across the city and made inroads into the suburbs. Moreover, HDO was a major force in electing alderman, state representatives, and state senators. According to the "Chicago Sun-Times", HDO spent more than $530,338 on political campaigns.

The HDO filed paperwork on July 1, 2008, along with state records, that indicate the group is closing its campaign committee. The group's reports show that all their funds were spent as of April 2008. [cite web | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-hdo-extinct-03jul03,0,4624428.story | title="Once mighty political group shuts down" | author=Lightly, Todd and Dan Mihalopoulos | publisher=Chicago Tribune | date=2008-07-03 | accessdate=2008-07-03]

Controversy

In 2006, a Federal investigation was launched into hiring practices at Chicago City Hall. HDO and other political groups allegedly had influence over the city's hiring system and political workers allegedly were rewarded with city jobs and promotions.

References

External links

* [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20050612/ai_n14679347/pg_4 Chicago Sun-Times Article about HDO]
* [http://www.laraza.com/news.php?nid=23267 La Raza article about HDO]
* [http://www.suntimes.com/output/hired/cst-nws-hired233.html Chicago Sun-Times article about HDO and the Hired Truck Scandal]
* [http://www.chicagoreporter.com/1994/11-94/1194NewLatinoGroupGainsPowerTiestoCityHallhelptheHispanicDemocraticOrganization.htm Chicago Reporter article about HDO]
* www.suntimes.com (articles on Hired Trucks and Acevedo by Novak and Wambir.)