|
Para ver este documento en
español, oprima aquí.
LULAC
Hispanic Voters Make Historic Gains
Hispanic voters continued their dramatic show of strength in
the 1998 elections, providing the margin of victory for key races
across the United States, especially in California and New York.
In California, Hispanic voters came out big for Democrats electing
Cruz Bustamante as lieutenant governor, who became the first Hispanic
to hold statewide office in more than 100 years; and Ron Gonzales
as Mayor of San Jose, who became the first Latino mayor of a major
California city since statehood.
Representative Loretta Sanchez retained her Congressional seat
by soundly defeating Bob Dornan and Lee Baca won the race for
Los Angeles County sheriff. California governor elect Gray Davis
owes his election to overwhelming Latino support, and in New York,
Rep. Charles Schumer could not have beaten Alfonse D'Amato in
their U.S. Senate race without the support of Hispanics.
Yet at the same time, Hispanics demonstrated that they will
vote for Republicans who adopt their issues by providing strong
support for Jeb Bush for Florida Governor and his brother, George
W. Bush for Texas Governor. "Hispanic voters spoke loud and
clear on Tuesday," stated President Dovalina, "Even
the most conservative of politicians now realize they will have
to court the Hispanic vote or retire."
EXIT POLLS: Overall Hispanic voters comprised 5% of all U.S.
voters on November 3-the highest proportion ever recorded. Hispanics
made up much larger percentages of the 98 vote in key states:
New Mexico 36% (65% Chavez, 33% Johnson), Texas 16% (49% Bush),
California 14% (78% Davis, 14% Lungren), Arizona 7% (56% Johnson,
40% Hull), Colorado 7% (73% Schoettler, 21% Owens), Florida 7%
(61% Bush, 38% McCay), and New York 6% (70% Vallone, 25% Pataki;
and 82% Schumer, 17% DíAmato).
Related Articles:
ASSOCIATED PRESS, "Hispanic
Vote Gaining Clout"
ORLANDO SENTINEL, "The Awakening
Giant: Hispanic Voters Made the Difference"
PUERTO RICO HERALD, Interview
with Rick Dovalina, LULAC President
| 
