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LIBRE Releases Post-Election Survey Results

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LIBRE Releases Post-Election Survey Results
Poll of Latino Voters on Key Election Outcomes and Issues 

(Washington, D.C.) – Today the LIBRE Initiative released the results of post-election polling conducted in Colorado (statewide), Florida (26th Congressional District) and Texas (23rd Congressional District). The surveys were of Latinos and others who voted in this year’s midterm elections, and are intended to provide a better understanding of how Latinos voted, and why they did so. Respondents were asked about the issues that were most important to them, and whether their votes reflected support for a candidate or party, or opposition to another. The survey was conducted on behalf of the LIBRE Initiative by the polling company, inc./WomanTrend. 

Among the key findings: 

In each of the areas surveyed, the most important issue for Latino voters was jobs and the economy. Health care/Obamacare and immigration were also important.

In Colorado, Cory Gardner (R) and Mark Udall (D) split the Latino vote – with each earning 48 percent. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper (D) defeated Bob Beauprez (R) among Latinos by a margin of 52-40 percent.

In Florida, Carlos Curbelo (R) defeated Representative Joe Garcia (D) by winning Latino voters by a 26 point margin – 63-37 percent. In this district, Governor Rick Scott (R) won Latino voters by a margin of 54-41 percent over Charlie Crist (D).

In Texas, Representative Pete Gallego (D) won the Latino vote by 68-29 percent over challenger Will Hurd (R), but was defeated nonetheless. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VIEW THE POLLING MEMO HERE:

Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement: 

“The results reflect a Latino electorate that must be respected as voters with varied priorities and political views, and show that candidates will not necessarily gain their vote merely by driving a one-dimensional conversation about immigration. Just like other voters, we make election decisions on a range of concerns – including the economy, health care, education, and more. And perhaps most importantly, this survey shows that these voters didn’t rigidly support one party or ideology, but instead backed the person who engaged, drove the debate on important issues, and convinced them on an agenda that would make their daily lives better. Potential 2016 candidates should take note: neither party should take the Latino vote for granted. There is great potential for outreach with the Hispanic community, and those that are willing to put in the hard work will be rewarded.” 

Kellyanne Conway, President of the polling company, inc./WomanTrend released the following statement: 

“These survey data confirm that those who view the Hispanic vote as a one-issue monolith do so at their own peril. In the 2014 midterms, Hispanic voters say they were most concerned about jobs and the economy, with education also a top-of-mind worry. Political party allegiance does not animate the Hispanic voter so much as common sense approaches and substantive solutions. Their appetite for free market solutions is evident; hopefully, leaders will hear and heed their call.”

For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173.

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