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Arlington, Va. - Many political analysts say Hispanics could determine who wins Virginia in the presidential election, even though they only make up 3% of voters in the Old Dominion. To show their support, 100 Latino women rallied in Arlington for a candidate they did not support just a few months ago.
John McCain
(web | news | bio) has spent millions trying to woo Hispanic voters and despite a long record support for the Latino community, they are increasingly tuning out his message because of his change of position on immigration reform. "He has totally reversed his course. He has made, I swear, hundreds of statements basically saying if he had to do it again, he won't," said Obama supporter Dr. Grabiela Lemus.
Despite lukewarm support during the Democratic primary, Latino voters are jumping on the Obama bandwagon. Polls show him leading McCain among registered Hispanic voters. Many see now see him as part of the larger immigrant community. "He understands what its like to be born as a child of somebody who is not here, but came crossing all kinds of barriers to create a better future for his family," said Caolina Espinal, Latinas United for Obama.
Many Latino woman, like those who came out to show support for Obama, say he offers the best policies on healthcare, education and the economy for their community. But it is the immigration issue that has them running from McCain and now rallying for Obama. "We want the immigration system fixed. That's why our community, our women is standing behind Senator Obama," said Del Ana Sol Guierrez, Maryland District 17.
The Obama campaign has spent nearly $20 million trying to lure Hispanic voters, especially women. In a state like Virginia, Obama officials say that target money may just turn the election in Obama's favor.
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