By Julie Tamaki
Times Staff Writer

Sen. Barbara Boxer plunged into campaign mode Saturday in Pasadena, where she was endorsed by a Latino political group after speaking out against President Bush's
controversial guest worker plan and a new proposal similar to 1994's anti-illegal immigrant measure, Proposition 187.

"We don't need that in our state," said Boxer, a Democrat, of the latest attempt to bar illegal immigrants from receiving a broad array of public services. "What we need
to do is send a signal now that we're not going to let that happen here."

She was referring to an effort by Ron Prince, the author of Proposition 187, to get a revised version of the measure on the November ballot. The original proposition
won among voters but was largely voided by the courts.

Boxer made her remarks at the Mexican American Political Assn.'s endorsement convention at Pasadena City College, where she received glowing introductions from
state Sen. Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) and Los Angeles City Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa.

Boxer sought the association's endorsement as the Democratic nominee for her Senate seat — the group endorses a candidate from each party in the primary — as she
faces challenges from four major GOP candidates. They include former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin, who has campaigned on her ability to beat Boxer, in part, by
attracting Latino voters.

Boxer outlined her party's agenda before about 80 people, some of whom carried Boxer campaign signs and "Viva Boxer"" stickers. She vowed to champion Latino
causes if returned to Washington for a third term, describing, among other accomplishments, her efforts to secure additional money to reduce teen pregnancies.

Boxer attempted to contrast herself and her party to at least one of her Republican opponents by taking aim at a proposal by GOP U.S. Senate candidate Howard
Kaloogian to bar illegal immigrants from transferring money to foreign countries.

To be eligible for an endorsement, candidates must attend the conference in person or via satellite. Marsha Feinland received an endorsement for the Peace and
Freedom party. No GOP candidate attended.