According to a Fox News Latino poll held September 11-13, 48% of Latinos voters determined that the economy is the most important issue in the upcoming presidential election.
Immigration was the fifth most important issue with 6% on the poll. The remaining concerns were health care (14%), education (11%), and social issues (8%).
As previously reported on La Plaza, even after being hit hard by the recent recession, Latinos still remain optimistic that the next generation will be better off than they are today.
Vincent Parrillo, Professor of Sociology at William Patterson University, says that for Latinos, “The possibilities are more, the opportunities are better here, and they’ve put their faith in the new land they have come to.”
On the same survey, the polled voters said they favored President Obama 60% of the time over Mitt Romney when representing their views on education, immigration, health care, job security and national security.
“The economy has to be front and center,” says Rosario Marin, former U.S. Treasurer under President George W. Bush. “Latinos want jobs. That is why they come to this country…to work.”
You’ve hit the nail on the head in this article; the economy will be the center of attention in the coming months. As a college student studying political science and public relations, the candidates’ treatment of the economy has been particularly interesting. In an era where our unemployment rate has been high for a historically long period while many American jobs are being exported overseas, the economic debate will undoubtedly be the focus of many Americans. As Marin said, Latinos have come to this country to work. However, with many people struggling to find work, the country will be listening for Barack Obama and Mitt Romney’s plans to turn the country around and create jobs. Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States and therefore the Latino population will have a strong voice in November.
Shelby Calambokidis
Platform Magazine Editor and Writer
Thanks for your comment Shelby. This election is very important to Americans, especially Latino Americans. The impact could affect much more than just economy, so it’s great that you are educated and knowledgeable about the issue. Keep the conversation going with your peers and spread awareness!