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Washington: Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain will be intensifying their appeals to Hispanic voters, who could play a pivotal role in the presidential race, with appearances at the convention of a leading Hispanic civil rights group.
Obama was to speak on Sunday at the annual conference of the National Council of La Raza in San Diego. McCain will address the group on Monday.
It will mark the third time in three weeks that both candidates have taken turns making their pitches to a major Hispanic organisation.
While immigration policies are a major concern for Hispanic voters, they also have been among those hardest hit by the faltering US economy, with unemployment, home foreclosure rates and gas prices on the rise, and more lacking health insurance.
Obama, speaking Saturday while flying from Chicago to San Diego, said there is "little doubt we've moved into recession," underscoring the country's need for a second economic stimulus package, swift steps to shore up the housing market and a long-term energy policy to reduce reliance on foreign oil imports.
Obama also gave reporters details about his upcoming trip to European capitals and US battlefronts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He said he would be accompanied by Senator Chuck Hagel, a Republican from Nebraska and Senator Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island.
Both have extensive military experience and, despite being from differing political parties, have both been mentioned as a potential Obama vice presidential running mate.
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