Hispanic voters deciding which party to support

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TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- A community of hispanic voters in the Tampa Bay area could become key in the 2008 presidential election.

There are about 160,000 hispanic voters in the Tampa Bay Area and many of them are still trying to decide which party to support in the presidential election.

Patrons are buzzing about the presidential race at Alberto's Barber Shop.

"What they need to address is the way the prices are going up on everything," said Rafael Barrios, voter.

"They need to touch on real issues such as medicare reform," said Mercy Contreras, voter.

Democrats have been trying hard to win over hispanic voters.

Just recently they appeared on Univision for the spanish channel's first-ever presidential debate.

Before that, they were in Orlando for the National Association of Latino elected officials forum.

"I think that the questions that the hispanic populations have especially the Cuban community, they're not ready to answer as of yet," said Contreras.

One big question surrounds immigration reform.

The republican candidates are having a tough time dealing with that issue.

Some say it could cost them votes in this community.

Patrick Manteiga is a democratic activist and the publisher of La Gaceta newspaper.

"A lot of prejudice is being spoken out there," Manteiga said. "A lot of time the topic is not about immigration, it's about anti-hispanic."

Political experts believe that's why republicans appear to be avoiding Univision's next scheduled presidential debate. Most have cited scheduling conflicts.

But at the monthly meeting of Hillsborough County's Republican Hispanic Club Party activists say it won't matter.

"Immigration is just one part of it but we have issues across the board just like everyone else and it's just not immigration that will signify who we want to vote for," said Angelette Aviles, Outreach Coordinator.

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