THE SUN 

Area Latino leaders Friday launched a grass-roots effort to help put Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama in the White House.

About 20 activists gathered in front of San Bernardino City Hall to announce plans for "Viva Obama Clubs" - a series of voter-mobilization events scheduled from July to the November election.

With more than 12million registered voters nationwide, Latinos can be a crucial factor in choosing the next president, activists said.

Latinos make up sizable parts of the electorate in 10 key states comprising 219 electoral votes -- California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, New York, New Jersey and Florida. Twohundred seventy electoral votes are needed to win the presidency.

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