Hispanic Vote In November Elections
Amarillo, Texas - Both Republicans and Democrats are working to win the Hispanic vote.
Restaurateur Victor Leal lost a bid to be the Republican Candidate for District 87, but remains active in state politics.
He believes the Republican Party needs to emphasis conservative values shared by many Hispanic families.
Leal says, "I think the Republican message of being pro-family, pro-life. You don't have a pro-life alternative in the Democratic Party. The Republican Party platform is staunchly pro-life. "
Although Hispanics are the largest minority, there's not a proportional number holding office.
Democrat and longtime Potter County Commissioner Manny Perez says that should change.
And adds, "Our people get to educated and start looking for the future of the state of Texas. It's not that we are going to take over. But we need more Latinos out there to run this state of Texas. Not run it, but make laws."
Leal believes his party can learn from the past presidential election to win key votes, and says, "The last presidential election was one that was trend setting there was a watershed mark on how many young people did get out and vote."
However mid-term elections traditionally have smaller turnout.
Perez believes young Hispanic voters should make an effort to be heard.
He says, "Register and look at the issues they want to represent them in the future whether its Republican or Democrats. They need to know who they want to represent them."
Population projections show the Hispanic vote is certain to make an impact on future elections.