The GOP and the Latinos of Florida

One of the rising stars of the Republican party is US Senator Marco Rubio from South Florida, and many think his growing fame within the GOP will lead him to the White House. Some assume that he is a big draw for Latin American voters... But does he represent the Hispanic voting bloc of Florida? According to Broward County's Democratic chairman, Mitch Ceasar, the answer is no. Florida's Latino population is very diverse, and their political views are just as varied as their backgrounds - Puerto Rican, Columbian, Cuban, Mexican, Argentinian, Brazilian and more.

However, for those Hispanic Republicans voting in Florida's primary, what do they think about the candidates and do their positions on immigration influence how they will vote? Ceasar says many in the Hispanic community are for the Dream Act, and any politician opposed to it will not win the hearts and ballots of Latino voters. Well, Mitt Romney opposes the DREAM Act, while Newt Gingrich is for some some aspects of it. So will Florida's Republican Latino voters go for Gingrich? Will Romney's Mexican roots rein in votes from Florida's Hispanic community? Hard to tell, but the DREAM Act will become a big issue during the presidential election. There's a political movement within Hispanic communities to become more politically active and organized with hopes of getting the DREAM Act enacted. Though historically Hispanics have not been extremely influential in politics, perhaps they will this season, or maybe they never will. But, this is definitely something to think about. Check out these articles about Hispanic voters:


Washington Post: Freshman Florida senator would be a big get if was endorsing

San Francisco Chronicle: Republican National Committee to Woo Latinos

Huffington Post: Florida Latino Vote Pits Cuban-American Republicans against Puerto Rican Democrats

ABC News: Newt Gingrich Looks for Latino Support in Bid for Florida Success

KPCC Southern California Public Radio: As Florida's 'Latino Primary" Looms, a Few Things to Note

Fox News: Romney's Stance of DREAM Act Is Magnified in Florida