Despite high hopes, political power eludes Hispanics in New Jersey

[phoebe]

New Census data revealed a surging Hispanic population that would soon be larger, for the first time, than African-Americans or any other minority group.


Many felt a newly drawn legislative map would boost minority candidates' chances of winning. And overwhelming Hispanic support for Gov. James E. McGreevey in the 2001 election raised hopes for a major voice in state government.

snip

New Jersey Latinos are facing the reality that - because of voting patterns, a lack of political cohesiveness and the inbred nature of state politics - it is going to be harder than most ever imagined to bring their political clout in line with their growing numbers.

snip

One factor is starkly simple. More than any other major racial or ethnic group, Latinos stay home on Election Day.

http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1057572621161360.xml

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. Minorities getting power ... in New Jersey?

Could they possibly have picked a steeper climb? Well, actually, yes. I guess they could have.

[lcordero]

2. I have to disagree with you because it is an exercise in power

EOM