Hispanic-Americans' New Clout

Will Hispanics Desert the Democratic Party?

Introduction

In just a few years, Latinos will become the nation's largest minority, surpassing African-Americans. As their political clout grows, Latinos are making their presence felt. Democrats have corralled a large share of the Latino vote. But Republicans say Latinos are beginning to embrace GOP positions, such as opposing bilingual learning, because it is not effectively teaching children to speak English. Others argue that bilingual education does lead to English proficiency and that any opposition to it among Latinos is probably misplaced anger over the poor state of public education in general.

The current and former speakers of the California Assembly, Antonio Villaraigosa, left, and Cruz Bustamonte, are both Latinos.

(Photo Credit: Rich Pedroncelli, The Associated Press)

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