Arizona

The GOP’s harsh stance on immigration has not been well received within the state where Hispanics make up just over 30% of the state’s population. Unfortunately for Democrats, though, this group is notorious for being a no-show at the voting booth, with only 16% turning out to cast a ballot in the last election.

Republicans are definitely trying to make nice with the Hispanic population. Kentucky Senator, and now an official Presidential hopeful, Rand Paul was recently spreading good will in Guatemala performing pro bono eye surgeries.

Another Republican hopeful, Senator Mark Rubio of Florida, has been in talks with Latin American presidents to restore their Ambassadors in the Middle East and even New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has jumped on the bandwagon with a trip to Mexico to meet the country’s new President.

There is a lot of damage to undue with the Hispanic population in the United States on the part of Republicans, though. Right-wing Congressman Raul Labrador is quoted as having said; “deport these families, these children. I know it sounds harsh.”

So these good will trips and gestures to Latin American and Mexico might not carry much weight with Hispanic voters here who well aware of the party’s push for legislation that calls for cracking down on illegals.

Hillary and the Democrats have their work cut out for them in Arizona if they want to capture the state, though. With such low voter turn out among the Hispanic community a big push is needed to mobilize those voters, get them excited about the campaign and to the polls next November.

Hillary’s comments about developing a “sensible and orderly process,” when it comes to illegals, including the 70,000 plus children who are expected to cross the border this year is a step in the right direction for Democrats. It’s a big problem that needs to be dealt with and a candidate that can develop a realistic plan on immigration will most likely capture the Hispanic vote.

News about Arizona is provided below or go to an overview of all the 2016 Swing States.