Latinos say their votes could tip 40 congressional races

"WASHINGTON — Failing to overhaul the nation's immigration system, currently a backburner issue for Congress and President Barack Obama , could play a pivotal role in key mid-term election races in November, according to a new study on Latino voting patterns.

The report by America's Voice, which supports comprehensive new immigration policies, says that revising the laws is the defining issue for Latino voters. The report says that progress — or the lack thereof — in revamping immigration laws and regulations could affect as many as 40 congressional races in areas with sizeable Latino populations, including the re-election bids of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , D- Nev. , and Sen. John McCain , R- Ariz. , just two years ago his party's presidential candidate.

"Immigration reform is a litmus test in the Latino community," Eliseo Medina , the president of the Service Employees International Union , said during a conference call about the study. "To us, this is a policy issue, but it is also an issue about respect."

The study says that Obama and Democrats who campaigned in 2008 on the promise of revamping immigration laws benefitted from a 54 percent growth in registered Latino voters between 2000 and 2008.

Some 10 million Latinos voted in the 2008 presidential election. Obama received 75 percent of the Latino vote while McCain received 25 percent.

Since the election, several Latino organizations and leaders have expressed frustration with Obama and congressional Democrats for not aggressively pushing a comprehensive immigration bill. The complaints grew louder after Obama barely mentioned immigration in his State of the Union address last month.

Latino leaders and groups are similarly frustrated with Republicans. They feel that the GOP is promoting and campaigning on an anti-immigration agenda in hopes of attracting so-called "tea party" voters who prefer stricter policing of the U.S. border to a comprehensive policy, which they consider to be amnesty for illegal immigrants already in the country.

"The president did make a promise to the Latino community, and it has not been forgotten," said Janet Murguia , president and chief executive officer of the National Council of La Raza , a leading Hispanic lobby. "We're also looking to Congress — Democrats and Republicans — particularly Republicans, who can't just continue to say 'no' . . . we'll hold all these elected officials accountable."

Increases in Latino population and voter registration in several key states could make Latinos players in this year's mid-term elections, according to the study. The report points to 12 states where registered Latino voters account for between 3.2 and 32 percent of the electorate.

The competitive races include Arizona , where McCain is facing his first serious primary challenge from former Republican Rep. J.D. Hayworth and two other anti-illegal immigration candidates: Chris Simcox , a founder of the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps , and Jim Deakin , a businessman and Navy veteran.

Obama captured the Latino vote in Arizona by 56 to 41 percent. Latinos make up 14.8 percent of the state's voting population.

The study also singles out Nevada , where a politically vulnerable Reid has a crowded field of Republicans lining up to run against him. Latinos, who make up 12.8 percent of Nevada's registered voters "will play an important role in the Senate campaign and could be a decisive factor in whether the Senate majority leader returns for his fifth term," the study said.

However, comprehensive immigration advocates warn that the Latino community's vote isn't automatic and must be earned.

"If anybody thinks that somehow not acting is going to work to the advantage of depressing turnout . . . . I think anybody who believes they have a lock on this community because they don't have anywhere to go is also mistaken," Medina said. "This is a constituency that's highly motivated and will participate.""

http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20...latchy/3421643

I think the 2008 elections were a once in a lifetime event for most Hispanic voters. I seriously don't believe we will continue to have the same political power we had back in 08. This simply because of voter apathy and disgust with the broken promises of the Democrat party.

It's funny because now all that the Republicans do is make fun of Hispanic voters and not care about their votes. Unfortunately for them in twenty or thirty years the population will more diverse and they will be coming to the same people they talked about kissing ass for some votes.

My question is: Who are we going to vote for?

Democrats can't act on inmigration because they are afraid to lose their seat.

Republicans oppose president Obama's policies.

It's a game.....both parties are playing games with the latino community.

WE JUST NEED TO STAY HOME, AND NOT VOTE FOR ANY THESE POLITICIANS.

IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT IT'S THE TRUTH, WE CAN'T TRUST ANY PARTY TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE, THEY ARE ALL PLAYING POLITICIANS AND THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES BENEFITED FROM THIS. MAKING GOOD MONEY ONCE THEY GET TO CONGRESS OR POWER. WHILE WE WAIT FOR REFORM AND OUR LIVES ON HOLD.

Congratulations, you just won the award for the most STUPID IDEA EVER! 'We just need to stay home, and not vote for any these politicians.' Yes, thats exactly what we need, lets all just take a step back.

p.s. that Bush icon suits you.

Troll. He/she is fake and gay.

Ray William Johnson hahaha. Fake and gay!

*****i'm Not Fake, Neither Gay*****

It's The Truth, None Of Those In Washington Care If You Are Legal Or Illegal Here. All They Want Is To Keep Cir In The Ball Game, So They Can Keep Playing Politicians And Have Cir In Campaings Forever...........too Bad, But True.

Sorry!

if you're just going to post negative comments do us a favor and don't post any at all.