Early last week, I wrote on LatinTRENDS about the ongoing question regarding the dilemma of the Latino vote and now after some time has passed since the November 2014 Elections the answer is beginning to come out. Despite the Republicans taking the Senate from the Democrats, Latinos did come out to vote largely for Democratic however the Latino vote did help the Republican party.
According to reports, when it came to Democratic candidates Latinos voted for them in a two-to-one margin in last Tuesday night’s election. And while an estimated 64% of Latinos voted for Democratic candidates the Latino vote also aided some Republican candidates gain enough votes to snag key areas in the country.
Latino base that helped Republicans gain ground in some decisive races, suggesting some shift in Latino voting patterns.
In states like Colorado, Georgia, and Texas it was found that Republican candidates were able to gain the Latino vote. In Colorado, Senator Cory Gardner was able to gain 23% of the Latino vote; Latinos in the state makes up 14% of the voter bloc.
A similar scene among Latino voters was seen in Texas & Georgia.
According to the Associated Press, in Texas an estimated 44% of Latinos voted for the incumbent Governor Greg Abbot; Latinos of that state make up 17% of the voter population. And in Georgia, Latinos only make up 3% of the voter population and the Republican candidates of that state took half of the Latino vote.
So, how exactly did the Republican party managing to snag the senate and several key states in this pass elections?
According to a poll given by Latino Decisions, it was found—and has been largely said—that 45% of Latino voters consider the one important political issue is: immigration reform in this country. With an estimated 37.3% of Latinos being immigrants within our country, and estimated 67% of Latinos being able to vote and knowing someone who is an immigrant such issues are going to be a main motivator when it comes to voting.
And this was largely seen in Florida
On various social media sites, Republican Governor Rick Scott of Florida has been linked to looking like Harry Potter’s villainous foe Lord Voldemort and it has also been said that he has a personality that matches. Well, on election night he managed to beat out hopeful Democratic candidate Charlie Crist despite appearing to have a great deal of support from Latinos in the state.
So, how did Governor Rick Scott manage to win 45% of the Latino vote?
Despite being viewed as a villain, Governor Scott may have swayed some Latinos into voting for him due to his support of an in-state tuition bill that was geared towards undocumented immigrants within his state. Not only did he support a bill that would only undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition for college, but Gov. Scott also signed the bill into law.
With Gov. Scott and Florida as an example, it also goes to show that by making promises or supporting issues regarding particular groups that you are trying to get to elect you works out.
Another link to Republicans winning in the November Elections 2014 is the threat made by Latino activists who said Latinos would not vote Democrat due to failed promises made by President Barack Obama and Democratic politicians.
The reason why activist swore that Latinos would not vote Democrat came to what the president did prior to the elections. Back in October, President Obama had delayed announcing any executive action regarding immigration reform until AFTER the elections despite promising to announce any plans earlier before the start of the summer.
This election season was quite upsetting. To see a political party that has gotten quite, detached from the way of the world and the current situation that many Americans are currently experiencing is saddening. Rather than moving forward and becoming a country known for being “developed” and for “the people” it appears we are moving back. Despite my personal feelings, I cannot say I am shocked by the recent taking by the Republican party but will say hopefully it will inspire more politicians to do what they should be doing: representing the people.
