According to NALEO Educational Fund Executive Director Arturo Vargas, “As Latino voters make their decisions on Election Day, they will be looking at candidates’ positions on the same issues that all Americans care about – education, health, and the economic opportunities available for their families and communities.  But Latinos also want to ensure that their voices are heard during America’s intense national discussion about the future of our immigration policy.  Latinos are deeply concerned about the tone and tenor of campaign debates about immigration, and they will not stand for candidates who use the issue in a divisive or inflammatory manner.”

In gubernatorial races, Nevada’s Latinos could decide the outcome of the open seat contest between U.S. Representative James Gibbons (R) and State Senator Dina Titus (D).  Nevada is home to one of the nation’s fastest growing Latino populations – the Latino population grew from 124,419 in 1990 to 563,999 in 2005, and the Latino share of the population increased from 10% to 24% during the same period.  Latinos are 12.5% of the state’s potential electorate.

Mr. Vargas concluded, “As November 7 draws near, political observers view an increasing number of formerly ‘safe’ contests as competitive races.  In these elections, where ‘all bets are off,’ Latino voters could make the critical difference.  Ultimately, no candidate for top political office can win without a viable strategy to reach the Latino community.  These strategies must involve a commitment to address the issues that are important to Latinos and all of our nation’s voters.  Latinos are listening carefully to candidates and campaigns; what they hear now will help determine the outcome on Election Day.”