"With impressive insight growing out of decades of involvement in Latino political and cultural life, Valentin offers profound insights regarding and sharp analysis of the changing terrain of Latino political commitments and what it means for New York City and, by extension, the larger US. This is an important book, one that puts in graphic relief the changing nature of politics on a regional and national level. I encourage you to read it and reflect on its implications." --Anthony B. Pinn, Agnes Cullen Arnold Distinguished Professor of Humanities, Rice University "This treasure chest of essays provides the fullest and most nuanced understanding available of the ins and outs and ups and downs of Latino Politics in New York City." --John Mollenkopf, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, The City University of New York "How timely! Politicking in the Barrio provides a keen description and analysis of Latino politics at a very micro level in the largest city in the country, con nombre y apellido , while tying those developments to larger patterns at the national level during the first quarter of the twenty-first century. It highlights among other realities the still unrealized potential and complexities of the Latino vote, and the increase of women and generational change in political representation. ¡Muy bueno! " --Carlos Vargas-Ramos, Director of Public Policy, External Relations, and Development, Center for Puerto Rican Studies, Hunter College, The City University of New York.