Election Results: Litmus Test for Anti-Immigrant Sentiment (Busby)

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Hispanic Media Size Up Election Results: Litmus Test for Anti-Immigrant Sentiment

New America Media, News Analysis, Elena Shore, Jun 08, 2006

Editor's Note: Can Republican candidates win on an anti-immigrant platform? And did the immigration protests translate into more Latino voters? Hispanic media, analysts and community organizations say the results of Tuesday's elections mean different things to different people. Elena Shore monitors Spanish-language media for New America Media.

SAN FRANCISCO--Hispanic media and other close observers of Latino affairs are reading Tuesday's elections as a barometer of the public's views on immigration and Latinos' ability to show their power at the polls.

Some in the media say there is no question that the anti-immigrant backlash is alive and well. Others predict the anti-immigration tactic could backfire and Republicans could lose votes from the growing and coveted Latino electorate.

In the closely watched special House race in San Diego to replace convicted former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, Republican Brian Bilbray, running on an anti-immigrant platform, narrowly beat Democratic challenger Francine Busby (with 49 percent to 45 percent of the vote). The two candidates will face off again in November to compete for a full two-year term.

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