11.  But he also supported a cutoff of defense spending on NATO allies and backed changes in immigration law that riled some Hispanic groups.

12.  But Hispanic groups protested, seeking in vain another post of vice president, for a Hispanic member.

13.  But the tranquility was disturbed recently because of news media attention and when a Hispanic group threatened to file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Justice Department.

14.  But the attention lavished by candidates and elected officials on Hispanic groups has sometimes obscured their slower path to power in cities like Houston.

15.  By contrast, the fertility figures for most other Hispanic groups stayed level.

16.  Certain issues like welfare reform have also caused Hispanic groups to unite in the past.

17.  Chavez has been at odds with Hispanic groups because of her views on affirmative action and against bilingual education.

18.  Citizenship is one obvious gulf that has traditionally separated Puerto Ricans from many other Hispanic groups in New York.

19.  Discrimination and education are the most important issues affecting Hispanics, according to a national poll released Tuesday by two Hispanic groups.

20.  Early Friday afternoon, amid growing pressure from Hispanic groups, McLane issued a prepared statement denying the comments.