McCain, GOP Face Hispanic Tipping Point

As the largest minority group in the United States, Hispanics are finding their political sea legs in a year in which their votes could, and likely will, swing the presidential election. Both Barack Obama and John McCain have courted perhaps this most diverse group of minorities, and both have obstacles to overcome before claiming an historically significant advantage. McCain, though, is uniquely positioned to outperform his party, and few groups will be so crucial to his campaign’s success or failure.

In the past eight years, Hispanic voters have largely sided with Democrats, though not as much as other minority groups. In 2000, Al Gore won more than 60% of the Hispanic vote, versus roughly 35% of for President Bush. In 2004, Hispanics once again favored the Democrat,John Kerry, over President Bush, though by a slimmer margin of roughly 55 to 40. By 2006, however, after a contentious debate on comprehensive immigration in which the Republican-controlled House hewed to a conservative, enforcement first approach, just 30% of Hispanics voted Republican in Congressional elections, while Democrats raked in 69% of the vote.”*

Stumble it! | |

Other posts that may interest you

John McCain Slaps Rush Limbaugh's Face With Florida Win

McCain Skips Vote On Immigration Bill After Vote For Controversial Judge

Romney wins Hispanic Republican straw poll in Nevada

Talks to Latinos contrast candidates' styles

McCain courts Hispanic voters

RNHA Chairman Speaks at Harvard and Will Appear on CNN en Español

Sen. Mel Martinez decides not to back McCain

John McCain Heckled By Anti-War Protesters at NALEO » VivirLatino

Republican Sheriff Runs Attack Ad Against McCain - Sheriff Richard K. Jones doesn’t think much of McCain’s views on illegal immigrants and wants to make sure the presumptive Republican nominee for president knows it. - Butler County, Ohio

McCain Discusses Immigration With Hispanic Leaders in Chicago