Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Candidates Failing to Reach Florida's Hispanic Voters

Obama and McCain both pushing wrong message, nonpartisan group says

By Clay Dillow,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 22, 2008 2:36 PM CDT

(Newser) – Hispanics could swing the presidential election in November, especially in crucial Florida, but the presumptive nominees aren’t reaching them, the St. Petersburg Times reports. Hispanics tend to vote on issues rather than along strictly party lines, but the media and candidates are pushing immigration reform though polls show the economy and education atop their list of concerns—with immigration reform 10th.

While a recent survey found Barack Obama leading John McCain 47%-22% among Hispanic voters, 26% remain undecided. “If they really want to do a good job, either McCain or Obama, they need to focus and get people in there who truly understand the Hispanic culture,” says the founder of nonpartisan group focused on getting Hispanics to vote.

In this July 8, 2008, photo, Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., campaigns at the 79th Annual League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Convention in Washington.
In this July 8, 2008, photo, Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., campaigns at the 79th Annual League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Convention in Washington.   (AP Photo)
Protesters in  downtown Los Angeles Tuesday, May 1, 2007. Last year's immigration marches have candidates focused on last year's issues. Economy, not immigration, tops Hispanics' list of priorities.
Protesters in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday, May 1, 2007. Last year's immigration marches have candidates focused on last year's issues. Economy, not immigration, tops Hispanics' list of priorities.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., eats a tortilla during a campaign stop at Sombrero Festival following a prayer meeting with Hispanic Evangelical ministers.
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., eats a tortilla during a campaign stop at Sombrero Festival following a prayer meeting with Hispanic Evangelical ministers.   (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Why Obama's Not Inevitable

Full Game Change Trailer Debuts

Game Change Trailer Stars Terrifying Sarah Palin

In 2 Key Swing States, Bad News for Obama

Most Popular National Politician Today Is ...


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne