Pew Research: Hispanic Electorate set to double by 2030

If you thought the Latino vote played a huge role in the results of this election, just wait 20 years.

The number of Hispanics eligible to vote is set to double by 2030, according to Pew Hispanic Center analysis based on U.S. Census Bureau data, Election Day exit polls and a new nationwide survey of Hispanic immigrants.

The hispanic share of the electorate is set to rise mainly because Hispanics are one of the youngest ethnic groups in the United States. Currently, 17 percent of U.S. citizens are Hispanic but they made up only 10 percent of the electorate in 2012.

“Their median age is 27 years—and just 18 years among native-born Hispanics—compared with 42 years for that of white non-Hispanics,” the research said. “In the coming decades, their share of the age-eligible electorate will rise markedly through generational replacement alone.”Hi

They are calling it the “Awakened Giant,” that is set to dynamically change the demographics of the U.S. in just a short time.

The Hispanic electorate will account for 40 percent of the growth of the electorate from now until 2030 and the research predicts 40 million Hispanics will be eligible to vote in 2030.

The data is not accounting, at this time, for the rates of naturalization to increase because of comprehensive immigration reform and Dream Act initiatives that are being proposed in Congress.

If those reforms go through, the number of eligible Hispanic voters could surge even higher, the research said.

The numbers also depend on the rate of Hispanic immigration to the U.S. which has decreased in recent years.

Despite these variables, the numbers are almost guaranteed to be high enough to determine an election, if they are not there already.

What it means is that there is no longer an excuse for either party to ignore or marginalize the Hispanic vote, because, whether they like it or not, massive numbers of Hispanics will be voting in the upcoming years and losing their votes could very well mean losing an election.

By Regina Conley /// November 17, 2012

http://redalertpolitics.com/2012/11/17/pew-research-hispanic-electorate-set-to-double-by-2030/

Rubio embraces his Hispanic background: I am who I am

Despite rumors he doesn’t want to be boxed in as “the Hispanic candidate,” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and likely 2016 presidential candidate embraced his Hispanic background Wednesday morning, saying he can’t change who he is or where he comes from.

“I am who I am. My name is Marco Rubio and I don’t plan to change that,” he said at monthly breakfast hosted by POLITICO Playbook author Mike Allen at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

The potential presidential candidate was quick to note, however, that while he is proud of his heritage, “It doesn’t make me better than anyone else. It doesn’t make me more qualified than anyone else.”

Rubio said that, “It’s not that I don’t want to be the Hispanic candidate per se,” but he believes that the issues Hispanic Americans face are the same issues most Americans face.

His comments Wednesday morning echoed his words from a high-profile dinner he spoke at the night before.

“Some say that our problem is that the American people have changed, that too many people want things from government,” he said at the Jack Kemp Foundation awards dinner, at which he was being honored, in D.C. Tuesday evening. “But I am still convinced that the overwhelming majority of our people just want what my parents had: A chance, a real chance to earn a good living, and provide even better opportunities for their children.”

One of those issues that needs to be addressed for the sake of all Americans is illegal immigration, he said Wednesday. Rubio observed that illegal immigration needs to be dealt with comprehensively, but not in a comprehensive package or bill.

“If this country does not have a 21st century immigration system it cannot be what it is destined to be – the greatest country in the history of the world,” he said.

At the dinner, Rubio noted that if he hadn’t been afforded the opportunities he had growing up, including government financial aid for college, he wouldn’t be a United States Senator.

“I would probably have been a very opinionated bartender.”

Wednesday Rubio said he fears that other young Americans won’t have the opportunities he had. ”If I worry about anything, too many young Americans either aren’t dreaming or think those dreams are not accessible to them.”

When asked by POLITICO’s Allen if he say the changing demographics of America as a “danger,” Rubio said he’s call it a “challenge” instead. He added that a challenge is not a bad thing and that some times politicians have convince people why their view is the correct one rather than rely on existing support.

Rubio came to former presidential candidate Mitt Romney and Rep. Paul Ryan’s defense saying there was little they could have done to change the minds of liberal Hispanics, but he also noted that people often vote for the person, not the party.

With regards to his own presidential prospects, Rubio would not say if he planned to run for President in 2016.

“I have no idea. I just don’t know,” he said, adding that he could be the commissioner of the NFL after his tenure in Congress instead.

“I keep putting that out there in hopes someone will say, ‘Let’s interview that guy,’ ” he joked.

By Francesca Chambers /// December 5, 2012

http://redalertpolitics.com/2012/12/05/rubio-embraces-his-hispanic-background-i-am-who-i-am/

Young, Hispanic conservatives write manual on why the GOP is losing Hispanics and how they can fix it

Conservatives need to make serious changes to their outreach efforts in order to attract Hispanic voters, according to several prominent, young Hispanic conservatives.

In a document released Thursday, Brittany Morrrett, the Project Coordinator with a conservative Hispanic group The Libre Initiative and Sam Rosado, a freelance contributor on Hispanic issues for Politic365, The Daily Grito and Misfit Politics, along with Michelle Lancaster, a blogger from Texas, and Ben Domenech, a co-founder of RedState, editor of The Transom, and a fellow at the Heartland Institute, provide a how-to guide for conservatives on changes the movement needs to make in order to attract Hispanic voters and why refusing to would be a horrible mistake.

The 2012 elections were a wake-up call to Republicans and conservatives,” they wrote in the manual. “While the chorus of blame and finger-pointing ran rampant on television, radio, the blogosphere and social media, one underlying issue was being commonly accepted: the GOP and conservatives must reverse the devastating trend with the Hispanic vote.”

The main issue for conservatives, they wrote, should be not to win the maximum amount of votes but to promote freedom to as many people as possible.

Nevertheless, they argue that there are concrete things that conservatives can do to show Hispanics why conservatism is important.

The biggest problem, according to Morrett and Rosado, is a lack of “ground game.”

The GOP lags behind the Democrats because for years, the middle-aged to elderly white voting class has been the most reliable voting bloc, and they have traditionally voted for Republicans,” the document says. “Therefore, conservatives and the GOP have never had the need for a major ground effort to bring them to the polls.”

The second step should be to stop “throwing out nothing but Spanish TV ads” and start engaging the Hispanic media.

The document criticizes the GOP for just translating ads into Spanish and sending them to Spanish-speaking areas because it’s the ‘easy’ way out. Instead, it argues, the GOP should actually work with the Hispanic media and approach Hispanics on a more personal level.

The third way conservatives need to change in order to attract Hispanics is to understand that speaking and communicating in Spanish is a ‘must.’

“We hate to break it to some, but while we and many others are of the agreement that English should be the language of government, many Hispanics prefer to speak Spanish within their community,” said Morrett and Rosado in the manual. “We say this only to address the hostilities some conservatives have towards the language. If you are going to reach out to the Hispanic community, Spanish must be a key component of it.”

Finally, the document says that policy does not absolutely have to change but the rhetoric surrounding it does.

Hispanics feel marginalized by the GOP because of the typical “deport them all” rhetoric that many members of the conservative movement promote. Other hard-nosed conservative lines, like calling the granting of citizenship to even one Hispanic immigrant “amnesty,” or refusing to reach a compromise on immigration reform, are doing more harm than good for the conservative movement.

“Racists exist in all movements and to say conservatives don’t have any is a lie,” the document says. “Take a look at several of the threats that conservative minorities get from other ‘conservatives’ and you will see what we mean. This racist and harmful rhetoric often includes terms like ‘anchor babies’ and classless jokes about wanting a ‘free ride’ or being janitors or criminals. These hateful people need to be publicly shamed lest they taint the entire movement.”

They also added that Republican Hispanic figureheads like Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Susana Martinez are ‘false trophies’ of Hispanic outreach because none of them won the majority of the Hispanic vote in their elections.

“It takes more than a Hispanic surname to sway Hispanic voters,” they said.

This document serves as a reminder that conservatives who are on the fence about whether the GOP lost the last election because of its failure to reach out to the the Latino population that they need to get with it before it’s too late.

By Regina Conley /// November 30, 2012

http://redalertpolitics.com/2012/11/30/what-conservatives-are-doing-wrong-with-hispanics-and-how-to-fix-it/

Thoughts on Becoming, Being and Continuing On as a LATINO Republican

Looking over the various exit polls the day after the very first election in which I cast my vote, it was disheartening to see that out of all the Latino voters aged 18-29 years old, only a meager 23% had supported the Republican candidate (Governor Mitt Romney). Since I also fit in this combined demographic, I was simultaneously taken aback by the fact that Obama actually performed better among Latinos than he did in 2008.

 Before elaborating on why it should be no shock to any amateur analyst that the Republicans have encountered an increasingly fleeting Latino vote, allow me to explain what led me to join that 23% of young Latinos who voted Republican in the last election.

       My father is an immigrant who hails from the small, rural town of Salento, Colombia. Upon arriving in the United States in 1982 to escape the chaos in Colombia caused by the interplay of drug cartels, leftist guerrillas, and paramilitary groups he lived in a 1-bedroom apartment with his brother, his grandfather, and 5 other relatives in the inner-city of San Diego.

 After having his initial hopes dashed by a rejection from the military due to a medical condition, my father worked a variety of menial jobs. He started off as a ticket vendor at an adult film theater in a dodgy part of Downtown San Diego. Through the 1980s and ‘90s, he served ice cream, drove trucks, and cleaned warehouses at night. However, after years of laborious effort and honest hard work, he has moved up the societal ladder.

My father today is an R&D aerospace technician with a full family in a two-story single-family house in a middle-class neighborhood. My father, who came from the Colombian countryside, has lived the American Dream in the truest way possible. There is no other country on the face of the planet that would allow any humble human being to achieve so much only through their determination and work.

 Throughout all those years he never took a government handout. He stood on his own two feet and let the grace of God and his aspirations guide him to where he is today. That spirit of individuals choosing their own paths and maintaining a true work ethic are the core principles that drew me to the Republican Party as a young Latino and a son of immigrants.

     Unfortunately, this narrative to which most young Latinos can relate is not the one that is being told. To put it frankly, the election loss was a clear indication that the Republican Party did not place a priority on outreach to Latinos. This preconceived notion of which party represents what is precisely the stumbling block that prevents the GOP from achieving electoral success.

During the long insufferable primary process Republicans allowed more stubborn elements of the party to give the Democrats innumerable chances to characterize Republicans as “anti-immigrant/Latino”.

This was exemplified with all the talk of “self-deportation”, the vicious attacks on Gingrich, Perry, and Huntsman for their “softer” positions on immigration, the Herman Cain border fence gaffe, and the thunderous applause during the Tea Party debate to Bachmann’s declaration that allowing children of illegal immigrants to stay was somehow un-American. After all the dust had settled, it is perfectly (and disappointingly) understandable as to why many Latinos would not cast their ballots for the Republicans.

       Looking forward, there is reason for reserved optimism. There are emerging young Latino leaders in the party that realize the party’s problem with Latinos. Governor Susana Martinez, Senator Marco Rubio, George P. Bush just to name the most visible. Some GOP veterans like Jeb and George W. Bush, Condoleeza Rice and others have called for true immigration reform to be spearheaded by Republicans. We can already see Republicans realizing that deporting 14 million people or so is not a viable option and trying to address the issue in a sensible manner with measures like the STEM Jobs Act and the Achieve Act. But there needs to be more interaction with Latinos if Republicans are to win in 2016.

We need to be on the ground, communicating to Latino communities on a personal level. We need to be on the streets of East Los Angeles or Paseo Boricua in Chicago or Jackson Heights in Queens, explaining why conservative policies will lift Latino communities out of the poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage that have come as a result of decades of Democratic representation.

We need to articulate in a non-alienating voice why government programs will not bring economic success, but only hard work in a free market system. A talking head on CNN stating that Latinos share conservative values will no longer suffice, as we have clearly seen. Victory for Republicans can be seen four years from now if the Republican Party wins over the Latino vote from the bottom up.

Randall Ramos is currently a sophomore attending California State University, Northridge, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science as well as a teaching certificate in ESL. Mr. Ramos interned at the Republican Party of Los Angeles County and worked on Todd Zink's campaign for California State Senate. Other activities include serving as acting President of the newly formed CSUN chapter of the Puerto Rico Statehood Students Association.

RNC’s silence on immigration draws concern from Hispanic republicans

Is the Republican Party willing to commit to resolving illegal immigration? We Conservative Hispanic Republicans want to know what the game plan is. Pictured: Mitt Romney (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Rather than wonder what the Republican National Committee is doing with regard to issues of concern among many Hispanics, like immigration, education, border security and jobs, I decided to contact the RNC to let them know they had a dedicated Hispanic Republican in Texas, who was willing to help.

As a very active Republican across the state, and the Director of an Auxiliary of the Republican Party of Texas focused on Hispanic Outreach, it seemed like a great time to connect and have a discussion on our game plan moving forward.

Several weeks ago, I’d written about the RNC’s Hispanic page on the official Party website and how it omitted a key issue for Hispanics—Immigration. I sent a message through the Party’s “contact us” link, and have been waiting to hear from them since.

Hearing no response, I decided to call the RNC and try to speak with someone directly. After all, with all the talk about immigration and Hispanics, surely they’d want to hear from someone in Texas who was already working to gain the trust of the Hispanic community.

I asked to speak with whoever was in charge of Hispanic Outreach for the RNC. The receptionist asked who I was, and which organization I was with, wanting to know the purpose of my call. I said, “Well, I’m an Hispanic Republican Activist and Auxiliary of the Republican Party of Texas, and thought it would be a good idea to be in contact with whoever is handling GOP Hispanic Outreach at the RNC.”

‘Who’s in charge of Hispanic outreach?’

With a short pause, she replied, “Kylie Smith.”
“I thought it was Bettina?” I responded.


Read more: http://www.voxxi.com/immigration-concern-hispanic-republicans/#ixzz2Fjdbxtaa

Latinos, Republicans, and the “Tipping” Point

Not too long ago, I had an argument with a colleague over the issue of immigration. He is a strong believer in “self-deportation” and believes that  all “illegals” should be kicked out of the country.  I, of course, was amazed at his rhetoric. The reason? Well, my colleague is not even a US citizen, let alone a resident; he is an individual with a visa. I understand his point of view that immigration needs to be controlled, borders secured, and that “illegal’s” that are here committing crimes and causing trouble should be shown the door. That said, it is almost impossible, not to mention impractical for the U.S. to kick out over 11.2 million people.

Instead of self-deportation, the focus should be on fixing the problem, with Republicans leading the way. Latinos need to see that not all Republicans share the same rhetoric as my colleague.  Case in point: George Bush recently stated that there has to be comprehensive immigration reform.

Even Congressman Ryan approached Congressman Luis Gutierrez about finding a solution to immigration. Following-up on  this, Greg Hinz, a writer with Crain’s Chicago Business stated in his column, entitled “It’s finally Gutierrez’s Immigration Moment” (November 19,2012) that the momentum for comprehensive immigration reform had finally come.

What we see  happening today in the U.S. with the Latino vote is the “tipping” of the electoral vote and serious change in how candidates are being elected. Many decades ago it was the Irish who were the “tipping” point for the Democrats (mostly in cities in the North East) now Latinos are the “tipping” point in the political arena.

While 71% of the Latino vote going to President Obama does have significant political “tipping” power…what of the other 27%? Does anyone know what to think of the small percentage of Latino voters that voted for Governor Romney?

Proud (Latino) Republican - The American Dream

http://www.josefulgencio.com

NM Gov. Susana Martinez staying on Republican governors

SANTA FE (AP) — The Republican Governors Association is keeping New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez on its leadership team.

The group named new leaders at its annual convention earlier this month in Nevada, and Martinez was selected to remain on the eight-member executive committee.

The first-term New Mexico governor took office last year and is the nation's first Hispanic female governor.The association helps elect Republicans to governorships and is a significant fundraiser for candidates. The group was the largest contributor to Martinez's 2010 gubernatorial campaign, providing about $1.3 million.

Meet Jason Villalba

A product of hard work & determination.

A fourth-generation Texan, Jason was born in Dallas at Methodist Hospital. As the son of an airline mechanic, from an early age Jason was taught to work hard, study diligently, act with integrity and do what’s right. As a young man, Jason mowed lawns, worked as a checker at Walmart and a stockboy at a local hardware store to help out his folks. The first in his family to graduate from college, Jason worked his way through Baylor University where he studied Economics and Finance, then graduated from the University of Texas School of Law.

A business-minded approach.

As a former financial analyst and as a partner at one of Dallas’ most respected law firms, Jason has hands-on experience working with and advising growing businesses and start-ups and dealing with complex financial and corporate transactions. As our State Representative, Jason will put his diverse business and financial experience to work to grow our economy, create high-wage jobs, cut wasteful spending and keep our taxes at current or lower rates.

Dedicated to improving education.

As the product of Texas public schools and father of two young girls who will soon attend elementary school in the Dallas ISD, the quality of our public schools is not just a campaign issue to Jason – it’s personal. That’s why as our State Representative, Jason will work tirelessly for meaningful public education reform that broadens charter schools, includes intra-district school choice for our parents and requires more accountability from our administrators and teachers. Like you, Jason believes that improving our schools will strengthen our communities, our economy and our future.

Involved in our community.

An active member of our community for more than a decade, Jason currently serves on the development committee of the Dallas Zoo and is an active member of the Dallas Children’s Trust. Jason has served on the Board of the Dallas Housing Finance Corporation, as the appointee of City Councilmember Ann Margolin, and he has served as a member of the Dallas County Citizens Election Advisory Committee, as the appointee of County Commissioner Maurine Dickey.

A proven conservative.

Jason is the immediate past Vice-Chair of the Dallas County Republican Party and the current Chairman of the Dallas Chapter of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly. In 2006 and 2010, Jason was named as a delegate to the Republican Party of Texas State Convention. As our State Representative, Jason will strive for conservative, bold, results-driven solutions that keep Texas great and that make life better for all of our families and citizens.

Texan. Husband. Papa. Republican. Candidate for Texas House District 114 in 2012.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Texans-for-Jason-Villalba/216547845074124