Democratic race sparks family feud for political sister-act

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — In almost every sense, sisters Linda and Loretta Sanchez are kindred spirits. The siblings have a shared Mexican heritage, are staunch defenders of the Latino community and have forged successful political careers that have led to them both being elected as Democratic representatives in Congress.

Yet this year's Democratic race for the White House has caused a rare division in the Sanchez' political sister-act: Loretta is backing Hillary Clinton but Linda is pledging her support to Barack Obama.

In interviews with AFP, the two lawmakers from Democrat-dominated California -- where Clinton is a clear front-runner over Obama -- say that their divided loyalties reflect a generation gap.

Loretta, 48, is impressed by Clinton's claims of...