Republicans and Democrats target Florida Hispanic voters
Tampa, Florida - The 2012 presidential election is still more than a year away, but the campaigning has begun and both parties say they'll aggressively be going after the Hispanic vote, particularly in Florida.
On Wednesday the Republican National Committee released an English-language television ad along with a Spanish-language radio spot.
The ad aimed at the Hispanic community is just the latest by both parties. Last week, the Democratic National Committee released a Spanish-language ad for television.
"Republicans see an edge or an opening to go after the Hispanic vote and the Democrats are holding onto it for dear life," said USF Political Scientist Dr. Susan MacManus.
"So it's no surprise that both parties are aggressively running ads aimed at the Hispanic community in Florida."
In 2008 President Barack Obama carried the Hispanic vote by a 2-to-1 margin. But RNC Chairman Reince Priebus says Obama's popularity among Latinos is dropping.
"Nationally President Obama's job approval rating among Hispanics has fallen by 24-points since his inauguration," Priebus said during a conference call with reporters Wednesday.
According to 2010 Census numbers, Hispanics now make up 22.5% of the Sunshine state's population.
In addition MacManus says there are now more eligible Latino voters in Florida than African-American voters. She says that underscores the group's importance in 2012.
One issue that could be a stumbling block for Republicans is immigration. However Priebus says that is just one issue and says the more important issue will be jobs and the economy.
"And this president has completely failed in that regard," Priebus said.