In 2004 Latinos supported John Kerry's bid for the presidency by 56%, compared with 40% for George Bush. In November they sided with Mr Obama 67% to 31%, helping him to win important states such as Florida, New Mexico and Colorado. In the past, says Frank Sharry of America’s Voice, a reform group, “everyone from Rahm Emanuel to Republican operatives thought that illegal immigration was one of those issues that helped Republicans.” But a study by America’s Voice found that in 20 of 22 competitive congressional races, candidates favouring broad reform defeated hardliners. It appears that general voters had lost interest in the issue, although Latinos were motivated to vote for the Democrats.
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