Creative, Persuasive and Disciplined
Importance of the Latino Electorate
06/28/12 10:36 AM
Highlighting the growing importance of the Latino electorate, President Obama and Mitt Romney both traveled to Orlando to address the National Association of Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) convention, a bipartisan organization with thousands of members across the country.
Republican strategists believe that they have the opportunity to peel Latino votes away from Democratic candidates with softer language, an appeal to conservative family values and appearances in the community.
My view is that the task for Republicans is much harder than just showing up at conventions and an appeal to family values.
In California, the fundamental reason that Latino voters tend to vote Democratic is that they share Democratic values. They want government to play a larger role in creating jobs, stronger schools and tougher environmental protections. And they want immigration reform.
Although the economy is the top issue for Latino voters, immigration reform has a saliency that is unmatched. A candidate’s position on immigration is a cue to Latino voters on whether they share the candidate’s values.
The smart folks at Calbuzz have been following the attempts of the Republican Party to reach Latino voters. Their most recent post is here.
On a related note, congratulations to our client State Senator Alex Padilla, who was elected President of NALEO at this week’s convention. I know he’ll be an exceptional leader.
Republican strategists believe that they have the opportunity to peel Latino votes away from Democratic candidates with softer language, an appeal to conservative family values and appearances in the community.
My view is that the task for Republicans is much harder than just showing up at conventions and an appeal to family values.
In California, the fundamental reason that Latino voters tend to vote Democratic is that they share Democratic values. They want government to play a larger role in creating jobs, stronger schools and tougher environmental protections. And they want immigration reform.
Although the economy is the top issue for Latino voters, immigration reform has a saliency that is unmatched. A candidate’s position on immigration is a cue to Latino voters on whether they share the candidate’s values.
The smart folks at Calbuzz have been following the attempts of the Republican Party to reach Latino voters. Their most recent post is here.
On a related note, congratulations to our client State Senator Alex Padilla, who was elected President of NALEO at this week’s convention. I know he’ll be an exceptional leader.
