Hispanic voters registered as Dems have overtaken Hispanic GOPers in FL, "signaling a trend that, it it continues, it could have far reaching implications" for the '08 election and foreign policy. April voter registration statistics show 418,339 Hispanic Dems in FL to 415,068 GOPers and 345,108 registered with neither party. The Hispanic vote could represent 15% of the electorate in '08.
Demographically, the statistics "are the latest sign that immigration from Latin America and younger generations of Cuban-Americans are diluting the influence of the older Cuban-American community." Political shifts are also fueling the change.
GOP officials say they can beat the Dem Party is getting Hispanic voters to the polls. GOP leaders also note that John McCain won the Hispanic vote in FL's primary. Barack Obama lost the Hispanic vote to Hillary Clinton (Reinhard, Miami Herald, 5/9).
FL's GOPers will gather 5/10 in Orlando "to shore up support among Hispanics as the presidential election nears -- part of a long term strategy to earn the community's votes for good."
Among the "heavy-hitters" attending the GOP Hispanic Conference: PR GOV candidate/Rep. Luis Fortuno (R-PR), Commerce Sec. Carlos Gutierrez, and Sen. Mel Martinez (R). Dems "see this as just another election-season effort that doesn't equal a lasting relationship." The FL Dem Party "said it has had Hispanic caucuses for years." Dem Party spokesperson Alejandro Miyar: "They are doing this because they feel desperate, and they probably know that no incumbent should feel confident in this state" (Ramos, Orlando Sentinel, 5/9).
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