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New LULAC President Aims To End Infighting

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The newly elected president of the nation's largest and oldest Latino civil rights group says he hopes the desire for "unity" will end recent infighting.

Roger Rocha, of Laredo, Texas, told The Associated Press he's reaching out to various members of the League of United Latin American Citizens following his election as the group's president.

Rocha became LULAC president last week in Salt Lake City. He takes over an organization that had been plagued by internal squabbling in recent years over a canceled election and a disputed real estate deal.

The 44-year-old health care provider says the group's focus should be on pushing federal immigration reform and better health care for the nation's growing Hispanic population.

A New Mexico Democratic lawmaker also was elected to the LULAC board despite concerns over bylaw violations.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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