Inaction on reform puts House Republicans at risk of damaging party’s image and undermining inroads with Latino voters who have historically supported them
WASHINGTON, DC–(ENEWSPF)–July 19, 203. A new poll released yesterday is fueling further pressure on Republicans in the House as they face heat from Spanish-language media and a growing chorus of conservative groups pushing for a vote on commonsense immigration reform this year. The findings show that blocking immigration reform with a roadmap to citizenship serves to tarnish GOP image and undermine inroads with Latino voters, including their own Latino supporters–a dynamic with lasting impacts.
The new poll, conducted by Latino Decisions and Hart Research Associates and commissioned by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), reiterates how a majority of Latino voters, from both sides of the aisle, believe that Congress should prioritize and support an immigration solution with a roadmap to citizenship. Further analysis draws attention to key insights into the Latino vote and the unmistakable warning signs:
- 69% of Latino voters will blame Republicans if immigration reform is blocked.
- Among Latino voters, 40% of prior GOP voters and 38% of Independents are less likely to vote Republican in future elections if comprehensive immigration reform is blocked.
- 66% of Latino voters believe the anti-immigrant rhetoric of a few Republicans speak for many of the GOP members in Congress.
- More than 30% of prior GOP Latino voters’ positive perceptions of Republicans decline if they block immigration reform.
“This is the first poll that clearly and unmistakably points out that the Latino opinion of the Republican Party is beginning to firmly set,” stated Eliseo Medina, SEIU Secretary Treasurer. “Here is a bright, flashing warning light for Speaker Boehner and the House Republicans: You are heading for an electoral cliff and time is running out. They have an opportunity to hit the brakes and pass commonsense immigration reform; and, in doing so, do something good for their party and something great for our country.”
Matt Barreto of Latino Decisions added, “The results underscore the need for the GOP to act on immigration reform before the perceptions of Latino voters, particularly those who are open to voting for them and have supported them in the past, take a turn for the worse.”
“The Latino electorate is growing and growing in important districts. If the Republicans persist in blocking comprehensive immigration reform and letting hateful voices speak for them, they will have, as Richard Nixon once said, regretfully given their opponents the sword,” said Geoff Garin of Hart Research.
To review the top lines of the poll: http://www.seiu.org/SEIU-LD-Hart%20Immigration%20Survey%20TOPLINES%20FOR%20RELEASE%207182013.pdf
See the webinar presentation of the poll: http://www.seiu.org/LD-1.HR.SEIU%20July%2017%20Full%20Deck%20FINAL-1.pdf
Source: seiu.org
