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 USA.

History

HDO was created by Tim Degnan, Victor Reyes, and Al Sanchez in 1988 to assist Richard M. Daley win 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 and has helped corrupt non Latino regimes in Cicero. Aside from Mayor Daley, 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. Al Sanchez is now a convicted felon as of 3/23/09 after a trial in Federal court.

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. Most of the money was used on attorney fees for convicted felon Al Sanchez and controversial Victor Reyes who was under investigation.

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. This investigation culminated into convictions of Angelo Torres on Hired Trucks, George Prado's conviction on drug dealing, John Resa, Al Sanchez and Aaron DelValle on perjury and fraud in employment practices.

External links

• Chicago Sun-Times Article about HDO
• La Raza article about HDO
• Chicago Sun-Times article about HDO and the Hired Truck Scandal
• Chicago Reporter article about HDO
• www.suntimes.com (articles on Hired Trucks and Acevedo by Novak and Wambir.)