Alienating Hispanic Voters

"Comments on Immigration Alienate Some Hispanics," was the headline of a recent New York Times article. The story examined whether Republican presidential candidates were hurting their chances with Hispanic voters by talking tough about illegal immigration. Ya think?

"Some party officials see a yellow light signaling danger in battleground states with large Hispanic populations," the article noted. More like a red light, and one that has been flashing for a long time. The 56 percent majority of Hispanics identify themselves as Democrats. Only 17 percent are Republican, according to the General Social Survey. The best Republican presidential candidates can hope for is that Hispanics won't vote at all--and they might get their wish. In 2008, only 49.9 percent of Hispanic citizens voted.