While much has been made about who won't vote for who because of the long primary process, it seems that out of all, Hispanics / Latinos will be some of the most loyal to the Democratic Party this election year.
more below the fold: also cross posted on ourhispanicvoices
Gebe Martinez wrote a good piece on Politico.com about the potential problem Clinton has with African American voters if she were to some way steal the election, and how Hispanics will back either candidate, despite showing strong support for her during the primarys.
I also would like to point out that while Clinton is still in the race she has already lost the nomination mathimatically, but the article is telling on where the Hispanic vote will more than likelhy go come November. I might also note that Clinton lost Texas (delegate wise, which is what counts and is not mentioned in the story) Here's the piece, and a few quotes.
But Hispanics, the fastest-growing segment of the electorate, are expected to break their own turnout records and vote for the Democratic nominee — whether it is Clinton or Obama — because of a different kind of anger.
Anti-Hispanic-immigrant rhetoric employed by Republican conservatives in the debate against illegal immigration, the failing economy and expensive health care is motivating Latinos to vote in unprecedented numbers.
more
"The days of the sleeping giant are gone," said Sergio Bendixen, a Clinton campaign pollster and Hispanic strategist. "The Hispanic vote has outperformed way beyond everyone’s expectations."
Rep. Hilda L. Solis (D-Calif.), who is vigorously campaigning for Clinton, predicted the Latino voter turnout in November would continue to increase, regardless of who wins the nomination.
it finishes with this
When the Obama campaign organizer arrived in Puerto Rico two weeks ago to begin preparing for the June 1 primary, he sensed the same dynamic. Figueroa turned hopeful when he started hearing favorable references to Obama as "an island guy" because he was born in Hawaii.
The campaign is ramping up its fundraising in the Hispanic community for a possible general election campaign while trying to avoid looking like bullies pushing Clinton out of the race.
"I think when [Latinos] see the differences between John McCain and a Barack Obama administration, everything — not just on immigration, but everything — they will see there’s a huge distance on issues impacting the Latino community," Figueroa said.
The Clinton campaign hopes African-Americans see it that way, as well, if she survives the Democratic convention.
Lets hope there is time for the party to come together by the time we go up McCain. McCain doesn't seem to have the same appeal to Hispanics as he once had. There are members of my family who have voted Republican in the past that will be punching the Democratic candidate in November.
Update: Remember 60% have voted for Hillary to date, while Obama has gained 40%. Much of Hillary's 60% don't like that they have been made a political issue in an effort to drum up support among Republicans in 2006 to get people out to the polls. I would hesitate to say that those 60% are loyal to the Clinton's. They just knew the name and had fond memories of better times. Democrats will have a strong Hispanic showing in November.
Self Plug: I have just re-launched my blog modeled after the greak KOS last night. Let me know what you think.