Hispanic Vote Moving To GOP

Hispanics still favor the Democratic party but that is changing and it could have an effect on the 2008 elections.  The Associated Press is reporting worrisome news for Democrats:

Democrats hold an edge with Hispanics in national elections, but Latinos’ growing tendency to register as independents and split their vote between parties is buoying Republican prospects for 2008.

Younger and college-educated Hispanics in particular offer fertile ground for President George W. Bush’s Republican Party, new data show. And while no one suggests Republicans have become the party of choice for the United States’ fastest-growing minority, Democrats have been gradually losing ground.

As an educated Hispanic, I fit that demographic and I can explain why.  Unlike other minority groups who seem to vote lock step with the Democrats, Hispanics are driven by core values–personal faith, family, and hard work.  Those values are not represented by Democrats. 

Democrats, within the Hispanic community, are often viewed as the party of fringe groups.  Legal Hispanics do not see themselves as fringe.  Rather, we see ourselves as seeking the American dream.  To Democrats we are a minority group needing help.  That is demeaning.  It suggests we can not do things on our own.  Consequently, the Democratic view of a handout is insulting. 

I believe this is a large reason Hispanics are leaving the Democratic party and why Democrats need to be very worried in 2008.