Can the Hispanic Vote Carry Romney?

Barack Obama won the White House in 2008 thanks in no small part to his overwhelming popularity with Hispanic voters. This popularity stemmed from the soon-to-be-president’s promise that he would pass an immigration reform bill within the first two months of his first term. Despite the fact Obama controlled the congress and had little trouble getting bills passed (see Obamacare and the multiple stimulus packages), no attempt was made to follow through on this promise. 

Now four years later, he is on record as saying it will happen in the first year of his second term. Just another empty promise conveniently shouted forth in an election year, according to the Romney camp. “President Obama only talks about immigration reform when he’s seeking votes,” said Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul. While this may be true, only the White House seems to be speaking at all about issues important to Hispanics. Where is Governor Romney’s plea to these important voters?

New Mexico Governor, Susana Martinez, says the republican candidate has much to say and will capitalize on the failures of the current administration:

“President Obama has a credibility problem with Hispanics. He made an unequivocal promise that he would pass comprehensive immigration reform…and yet he never bothered to push for (this).”

According to Jennifer Korn of the Hispanic Leadership Network, “Hispanics are shopping around.” If this is true, does the Romney camp have a plan for taking control of this disgruntled, yet powerful group of decision makers?

Whatever plan may be in the works, it had better focus on the states of Nevada, New Mexico, Florida and Colorado. Hispanics account for at least 13% of the electorate in these states and the President holds a substantial lead in each of these states except Florida, where the polls show a tie. Will the Governor’s recent stance on the Arizona immigration laws cause him to lose the Hispanic vote in these crucial battleground states? Or will he soften on the “Dream Act” and utilize figures like Florida senator Marco Rubio and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval to get help energize his lagging public opinion?  The experts agree, there are two critical truths regarding the Hispanic population and the future results of this impending election: the votes are in play right now and Romney better do something major if he wants to sway them. With over 100 electoral votes at stake in Hispanic-heavy states, it seems something well worth the governor’s time if he wants to occupy the White House come next January.

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