Latino Voters and the GOP

The Republican Party is dominated by white voters, especially those over 60, people who are uneasy about the rapid demographic changes in the US. Former Republican Party chairman Mel Martinez told a forum yesterday that the GOP risks being "relegated to a minority party" because of its failure to reach out to the growing number of Hispanic voters. At the same event, GOP consultant Ana Navarro said, "Where his [Romney] numbers are right now, we should be pressing the panic button." Last night a prime-time spot went to New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez, who told the delegates how she changed from being a Democrat to being a Republican. Matt Barreto is with the polling firm Latino Decisions.