By now most people recognize that Latinos are changing the US political landscape. But are political parties, both Democrats and Republicans, listening to what Latinos have to say? Probably not, or at least that is the reading of an article by Washington Post staff writer Peter Levin on how “Republicans look to gain traction with Hispanic voters.”
Levin highlights a recent NBC-Wall Street poll that shows a drop of Hispanic support for the Democratic Party, just a year after voting in record numbers for President Obama.
The article also cites hard-liners and “tea party” activists’ posture on immigration issues as the main reason why Republicans are still struggling to engage Latinos voters.
The article provides hard data on how political parties should be paying close attention to Hispanic voting behavior and population changes. Hispanics are the fastest growing segment in the US and their voting power has increased twofold over the last two decades. The article also underscores how important is that politicians listen to Latinos to really understand their perspectives and priorities.
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