There is an interesting story on the Journal's website about how Hispanic voters returned to the Democrats this year. It says 70% of them voted for the Democratic candidates in 2006 but that they could just as easily switch back to the GOP in 2008. They are being identified as swing voters. Just like everyone else.
You always see these kinds of stories about Hispanics or African Americans but rarely about Germans, or Swedes, or Poles or some other assimilated ethnic groups. It just occurs to me that almost everyone is a swing voter these days regardless of their heritage. It all comes down to their own self interest and that of their immediate familes. I think the only group political parties can count on anymore are the special interests with money to contribute. Big oil, insurance companies, the real estate developers and the healthcare industry pretty much have the power to swing elections because of their deep pockets for funding TV ads. They don't always win, just most of the time. Their influence will only wain when we get publically financed campaigns.
I would suggest you closely follow campaign reform in the legislature this year. I am going to do so and will report back on friend and foe of meaningful ethics and campaign reform in this years session in Santa Fe.
1 comment:
Indeed, Jim. There will be bills to restrict gifts, limit campaign contributions, develop an independent ethics commission and expand the state's public financing system.
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