Hopes frustrated, many Latinos reject ballot box altogether

*It’s distressing that Latinos are seen as “bit players” in the upcoming mid-term elections. This article points to  disillusionment with Obama and the GOP stance on immigration. But how much of the responsibility should rest on Latinos’ own shoulders? VL

By Jackie Calmes, The New York Times/Santa Fe New Mexican

Across the country, immigrant-rights advocates report mounting disillusionment with both parties among Latinos, enough to threaten recent gains in voting participation that have reshaped politics to Democrats’ advantage. High hopes — kindled by President Barack Obama’s elections and stoked in June by Senate passage of the most significant overhaul of immigration law in a generation — have been all but dashed.

Democrats are worried. While the growing Latino electorate is expected to give Democrats an edge for years unless Republicans shed an anti-immigrant image, Latinos are bit players in this midterm election year. Their turnout typically drops in midterm year. This fall, with many Latinos caught between hostility toward Republicans and disappointment with Obama, participation could dip further.

Click HERE to read the full story.

[Photo by Brande Jackson]

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