Last week, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) sent a political warning to his fellow Democrats: if immigration reform doesn’t pass, as promised, Latinos won’t vote:
Without progress, the congressman warned that many Latinos would stay home from the polls.
In addition, the California Field Poll found that Senator Barbara Boxer’s reelection could be in danger if Latinos don’t vote. This may come as a shock to some, but not to any of us following the growing power of the Latino vote.
Today, America’s Voice is releasing a new report that chronicles how, over the past decade, Latino voters have steadily increased their political power, and made a decisive impact in races at all levels, including the Presidency. In 2010, Latino voters are poised to play a crucial role in key House and Senate races across the country. While trending Democratic overall, at least one segment of the Latino electorate—foreign-born, naturalized U.S. citizens of Latino descent who represent 40% of the Latino voter population—has proven to be a true swing constituency. The outcome of the upcoming debate on comprehensive immigration reform will determine how – and if – this group of Americans votes in 2010 and beyond.
“The Power of the Latino Vote in America: They Tipped Elections in 2008; Where Will they be in 2010?” examines Latino voting trends, how immigration reform will affect turnout, and identifies 40 battleground races in 11 states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia) where Latinos have an impact.
Stay tuned for highlights from the report and a roundup of coverage later today.
