Hispanic Voters Could Swing Key Midterm Races, Group Finds

Hispanic voters could have an outsize influence in a number of closely contested races next month, according to a report unveiled Tuesday by a nonpartisan Latino organization.

About 6.5 million Hispanic voters will likely cast their ballots this year, according to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials–nearly 1 million more than in the last midterm elections in 2006. The group derived its estimate by looking at the increase in Hispanic voter turnout in the past three congressional elections.

The voting bloc could have an impact in close races from Texas to Colorado, said Arturo Vargas, executive director of the group.

“Never before have we had so many tight contests at the state and federal levels in states where the Latino vote can make a difference,” he said. “I think it will make all the difference in 2010.”

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Recent studies have shown a lack of enthusiasm among Hispanics for the upcoming election. {snip}

But Vargas said his observations contradict the contention that the Latino vote will be less energized. {snip}

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