Road to the White House is through Latino Texas

*If Texas is a microcosm of Latinos in the U.S. – I know there are outliers: Florida, to name one – the this is significant. It proves a hunch. What we thought to be true about Latinos and their politics is a reality, and then some. VL

By Domino Renee Perez, The Hill

Likely presidential candidates are beginning to polish their profiles and manage their vulnerabilities.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R) was given a 2-hour crash course on world geography and global affairs in an attempt to bolster his knowledge of foreign policy. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been asked to answer about her use of a private server run from her Chappaqua, New York home to conduct affairs of the state. And Sen. Mark Rubio’s (R-Fla.) newly unveiled tax reform is already drawing criticism for its potential to increase the deficit.

As these and other would-be candidates begin to prepare their long-range plans, it’s never too early to start thinking about Texas and its 38 electoral votes.

Some may assume that this overwhelmingly red state with mere pockets of blue will be a lock for any Republican candidate.

But no so fast there, pardner. Texas is undergoing a massive demographic transformation, one that will have lasting impact for the red, blue, purple, or maroon political landscape.

And presidential candidates will need Latino votes.

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[Photo by Claudia A. De La Garza/Flickr]