The "Hispanic" voting bloc is a myth

[Colobo]

It's very common to hear pundits on both sides talking about the "Hispanic vote", like if it was some sort of homogeneous bloc of voters who have some common interests in mind, when that is completely false. American politicians should understand that the different Hispanic groups in the nation have very different cultures, views of life and political agendas, and to assume that Hispanics will vote a certain way if a Hispanic runs or if they fly the "pro-immigration" flag is naive.

For example, Puerto Rican voters are all over the East Coast, but particularly in the Northeast and here in Florida. The Puerto Rican community in general doesn't care about immigration reform AT ALL because WE ARE US CITIZENS BY BIRTH. For the most part, Puerto Rican voters care primarily, apart of caring about the issues that affect all Americans, about the political status of Puerto Rico. That is the key issue when it comes to Puerto Rican voters: How aware is the presidential candidate about the political situation of Puerto Rico? Does s/he have any plans to solve it? George W. Bush played that card well in 2004 when he promised the creation of a "comittee" to work with the "Puerto Rican political problem", and it worked; even though Puerto Ricans, especially those born in the US, are mainly Democrats, the ones coming straight from the Island now and moving into middle class communities in Central Florida tend to support statehood and have some sympathy for Republicans.

Puerto Ricans agree with Democrats in economic issues but not necessarily on social issues; most are social conservatives, especially those born on the Island.

Cuban-Americans do not care about immigration reform either. In fact, them as a group do not seem to be very supportive of illegal immigrants from Latin America. They are very pro-small business, pro-tax cuts, pro-strong defense, anti-Castro, etc. Economically speaking, they tend to like Republicans a lot, but are more socially liberal than Mexican-Americans or Puerto Ricans. Still, to get the Cuban-American vote, a candidate needs to sound "tough" on defense, "tough" on economic liberalism, and anti-Castro. Talking about legalizing illegals won't make the trick.

However, young Cuban-Americans tend to be much more Democratic friendly than their parents and grandparents.

Now, consider you also have Mexican-Americans all over the country but mostly in the Southwest and the West Coast in general, Dominican-Americans in the Northeast, Central American-Americans in the West Coast... and you have a very diverse group of people with different interests.

For instance, THE "HISPANIC VOTING BLOC" IS A MYTH.

[slackmaster]

1. As a lifelong resident of Southern California, I couldn't agree more - K&R

That important lesson was lost on our ousted Governor Gray Davis, and on the Lieutenant Gov. Cruz Bustamante who tried unsuccessfully to take his seat when he was recalled.

The state Democratic Party here still doesn't get it.

[Cleita]

2. As a hispanic myself I know this to be true.

I have never voted for a candidate because they are hispanic and I don't know anyone who does. My former Assemblyman was hispanic and I never voted for him because he's a Republican. Yet, since the district I live in is a Republican majority, the reason he got elected is because a lot of white Republicans voted for him not because the hispanics did who are mostly democratic in this area as they are descended from immigrant farm workers.

[Colobo]

3. Exactly.

[FrenchieCat]

4. And because Hispanics are mainly Roman Catholic,

many are not necessarily liberal on social issues. Sure, many do vote Democratic, but many also vote Republic.

In fact, Richardson tooting the fact that he is Hispanic every five minutes could backfire on him bigtime if he got the nomination......because due to the divisiness of the immmigration issue, along with stereotypes and prejudice, a first Hispanic President is not about to happen anytime soon, IMO. If one thinks that Hillary and Obama might have a rough go of it, Richardson will realize soon that he doesn't have an advantage over them in reference to "electability" due to his ethnic background. In fact, I dare say that both Hillary and Obama give off a more presidential aura than does Richardson (regardless of his experience), and considering the shallowness of many voters, that will also hurt Richardson.

[Colobo]

5. Roman Catholics and Evangelicals

Protestantism has gained many followers, especially among Puerto Ricans and Mexican-Americans. But yes, most Hispanics do have that in common: They are VERY socially conservative. Those born over here are considerably less socially conservative.

I also agree with you assesment of Richardson's playing of the ethnic card here.

[Indy_Dem_Defender]

6. I never understand

the bit about politicians thinking all hispanics would vote for someone who is pro illegal immigration.

I've met a whole lot of hispanics (not just hispanics other foreign born citizens) who legally immigrated to the US and went through all the channels and hoops to US citizenship who get pissed at the thought someone else will be able to skip ahead in line, taking a short cut, when they had to take a rocky road and earn it.

I had a college professor who was from South America (sorry can't remember which country of hand) who became a US Citizen, some kid who thought since she was hispanic she would be for pro illegal immigration tried to butter up to her saying he was pro illegal immigration. I saw a fire light up in her eyes and she just about went berserk on this kid about the subject.