Richardson urges Democrats not to ignore Hispanics

I agree ...

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, the United States' only Hispanic governor, said on Friday Democrats should not take the Hispanic vote for granted and doing so may already have cost them the White House.

Richardson, starting a national tour to promote his new book published on Friday, "Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life," which details his globe-trotting diplomatic missions and shortlisting as the Democratic vice presidential pick in the past two elections.

Democratic candidates have enjoyed hefty majorities among Hispanic voters, but that will not always be the case, he said. Spanish-speaking
President George W. Bush's campaign appeal to Latino voters on social issues cut into the majority, claiming some 44 percent in 2004, up from just a third for Republican candidates in past presidential elections.

"The erosion of the Hispanic vote with the Democratic Party has been consistent in the last three elections," Richardson said, and in the last one it may have been fatal.

more...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051105/people_nm/richardson_dc

...."and doing so may already have cost them the White House.

I'll go read the article now.. (I read the portion you put on the forum) and I have to say.. I'm trying to figure out HOW-- and WHEN-- our party has ever taken Hispanics for granted in any way :shrug:

Thanks for posting this.. and I'll go read it now.

BTW.. Governor Richardson is the only major politician who directly responded to an e-mail that I sent. Locally (within state) every politician; whether they're an assembly person, U.S. Senator, or even Governor has personally responded to concerns or questions with either a letter, e-mail, or phone call.

But as far as other states.. Governor Richardson was my FIRST ever to directly respond. The e-mail I sent (about a year ago) was a compliment :) -- so it was easy to respond to.. but still.. it wasn't a staffer -- it was HIM --- who wrote back. Of course I saved that e-mail, and I'll treasure it always! :hug:

Ok.. off to read "the rest of the story"

in the past few months that showed how many Hispanic voters there are, where they are based and how many were Repukes. It was incredible how many were ...

I'm not so sure about Senator Kerry, but from everything I remember.. General Clark did incredibly well with Hispanic voters. :hug:

His daughter-in-law (who is from Columbia) was such a sweetheart when she'd come onto the CCN (Clark Community Network) and provide us with information about the campaign ~ :hug:

I supported Kerry to the bitter end after the General pulled out.. but I dunno.. I sure wouldn't say he went out of his way to connect with Hispanics. :shrug: Nothing that stands out in my mind anyway..

I personally think that while the Republican party may have made significant progress (as compared to Democrats) with Hispanics --- that it doesn't mean diddly-squat if we put up the RIGHT CANDIDATE the next time around.

Can't say that "Ahnold" has really done anything for the Rethugs to enhance the relationship with the Hispanic population either. What a joke he's been!

We have work to do for sure and I'm glad Governor Richardson sends out reminders that our party HAS to pay attention to. :thumbsup:

We're going to win big time in 2008 ~~~ I just know it ~~ ;)

thats not my problem. Not just Hispanics but anyone who votes GOP is just stupid.

I've only heard him speak a few phrases. I can't believe he really speaks it. El Presidente pendejo!

Though that's not saying much.

I have refined my comment, however to say that he may be the VP candidate, not necessarily the Pres.

My prediction is that Dean will create a super-tuesday style primary of Western states early in the season and that will make the prospects of a Richardson-style gun-toting, meat-eating, liberal much higher.

I was wondering when his hat would hit the ring. Saying "you shouldn't overlook latinos" is the opening salvo in the conversation that ends with "Why don't you run for President, Bill?"

Bill is setting himself up for a run for the Democratic nomination.
He is doing a great job as Governor enjoys enormous respect and has huge political support in New Mexico.
I love the ad he is running on TV it shows 2 ranchers discussing Bill and one says "His suits may not fit him too good but he sure suits New Mexico"......corny Yea .....effective you betcha.