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Clinton Over Obama Among California Latinos

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February 05, 2008 11:24 PM

ABC News' Gary Langer Reports:  Hillary Clinton won overwhelming support among Hispanic voters in California, while Barack Obama narrowly led among whites -- 49 to  43 percent -- and claimed about eight in ten black voters.

About three in 10 primary voters -- 29 percent -- were Hispanic, a record share of Latinos in a California Democratic primary electorate.  They've never before exceeded 17 percent in California.

Obama ran particularly strong among white men, beating Clinton 60 to 33 percent while losing to Clinton among white women 53 to 40 percent.   

Clinton did particularly well among older Latinos, beating Obama 78 to 21 percent among Hispanics 60 or older. And she cut into one of Obama's strongest groups -- younger voters -- claiming  47 % of those 18-29 to his 51 percent.

About eight in 10 California Democratic primary voters were rank-and-file Democrats, and they went solidly for Clinton -- 55 to 41 percent. Half were liberals, dividing their votes  equally  between Obama and Clinton.

As for the Republicans, unlike most states where the economy dominates as the top issue, it runs just slightly ahead of immigration.  33 percent call the economy their top issue; 29 percent, immigration. 

And there a sharp difference in vote preference among these two groups: in preliminary exit poll results, a 12-point lead for McCain among economy voters; a wider lead for Romney among those who cite immigration as their top issue.

McCain was hurt in California by a lower turnout among moderates, who make up 27 percent of voters, than in previous GOP primaries in the state.  Conservatives accounted for 63 percent, and Romney had a wide lead among them -- 48 percent to 32 percent for McCain and 12 percent for Huckabee.

Romney also held a narrow edge among mainline Republicans, 41-37 percent over McCain. Independents favored McCain by 43-29 percent.

The race may be something of a reflection of voters views of the generally popular Governor Schwarzenegger, who has about a two-thirds approval rating among California Republicans. Those who approve of the job the governor is doing go for McCain by a huge margin, whereas those who disapprove pick Romney by about 3 -1.

McCain also did considerably better in the more liberal San Francisco area, and Romney in more conservative Southern California  region.

February 5, 2008 in Tancredo, Tom, Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (42)

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Not a smart move for them, when she doesn't want to give illegals licenses.

Posted by: areuserious | Feb 5, 2008 11:45:21 PM

Hillary won't help the Latino community. She'll say she will, but it'll only be symbolic.

What has she supported to help them in the past?

It's more interesting to note that across large parts of predominantly 'white' states--the black man is dominating. The Clinton argument that he is a 'black candidate' sure doesn't look accurate across the Midwest. I suspect that Hillary will now come up with a new attack, say she wasn't attacking, and will set up another meeting with 'independent female voters' to cry for a third time.

Posted by: Jim | Feb 6, 2008 12:02:11 AM

Like Iv'e said, this IS the most exciting election, in my lifetime.

I'm hoping that Hillary Clinton gets a far chance, since the media has been playing favorites with other canidates

not giving Hillary the support she deserves. Hopefully the people will see what a strong, tough, quailified person she is, Hillary has heart, I wish her the best!
ta
hb
Sunnyvale CA

Posted by: harleyblues | Feb 6, 2008 12:12:26 AM

How is Hilary more qualified? What government experience does she have other than her current term in the Senate?

Posted by: Jim | Feb 6, 2008 12:16:20 AM

Blue,
Great point responsibility is important in
to be president and the number of years he allowed the tickets to go unpaid is depressing. Especially if he is going to be responsible for the United States.

Posted by: V | Feb 6, 2008 12:19:48 AM

Senator Clinton

is more more quailified on many levels than Obama, and her record reflects this. She has been in the White House for starters, has years of experience domestic & abroad. She is trust worthy and passionate in my book, not to mention effective. I have no doubts in Hillary's capabilities.
hb~

Posted by: harleyblues | Feb 6, 2008 12:41:35 AM

Give me a break - unlike Kennedy who has no loyalty and actually did not help Obama in Mass. The Hispanics were loyal to someone they trust ...Obama has done nothing for the Latin community and basically ignore them until they were needed...then opted to go after them. The Latin Communities remember the Clinton name..

Posted by: delee | Feb 6, 2008 12:56:11 AM

Obama really deserves credit for all his wins..a man who begins from scratch against a well known name and as managed to give her a run for the race, ofcourse the mail in ballot poll in California seems to have played an important part too, it happened about 3 weeks when Clinton was leading in the polls big time.

Obama is definitely the name in years to come..and its time American community at large wakes up and realise that they need a change and one in a positive direction...if they dont they know what they got for bush having gotten a second term.

GO OBAMA !

Posted by: Taruna | Feb 6, 2008 12:59:03 AM

As far as Experience she worked in Congress for years working as a volunteer on various issues before she was voted into the Senate..she worked with both parties for years in a National sector...then she was later elected to the Senate...she has a great record ...Obama's experience is much less check you facts...he worked in the State while Hillary was involved in a National setting...change requires experience not inexperience only brings problems ... best ticket is Hillary President - VP Obama

Posted by: dellee | Feb 6, 2008 1:02:29 AM

I just listened to Sen Obamas speech. Do I detect some bitterness. He was such a connvivial happy chappy when he thought it was going his way. What happened to the classy non-negative guy everyone keeps telling me about. For the record Sen Obama I wasn't secretly afraid to vote for you. I didn't want to so please don't assume otherwise. It comes across as arrogant. For the record I enjoyed your "2004 conventon speech" and spoke glowingly of it I enjoyed your "yes we can speech" and admired your oratory skills. Listening to you tonight I had one problem your speeches all start to sound the same. You are startingto sound like a revival preacher.I was I was waiting for the Amens and Alleluias and waving of arms. I already attend church I don't need any more sermons it felt a bit like if you don't side with me you are doing the work of the devil and are on the road to damnation. It didn't seem uplifting to me in fact I think it is a style that can get very tiring when heard often. You had a great result today hard fought and well earned but your snide remarks tainted that and I am dissapointed you dropped your facade I think.

Posted by: Thats it for me | Feb 6, 2008 1:35:31 AM

I do not trust a person who is wedded to becoming powerful. Hillary has never stood on her own two feet, never. She would not be Senator of New York without Bill Clinton, who abused their relationship horribly. What kind of role model is she? If she had blown him off six years ago, and carved a life for herself, I would be impressed. She is a power hungry person, for whom I have little respect.

Posted by: Bob | Feb 6, 2008 2:47:50 AM

I agree with you HarlyBlue. People did not give her enough credit. It is double standard. When she shown her emotional side, people discredited as it as real. Give her a break! When she show her toughness, then people discredited her lack of warmness. She has overcom so many hurddles. I salute to her.

Posted by: Give her a break | Feb 6, 2008 2:50:56 AM


Nobody is talking about what is obvious to anybody who spends anytime in latino communities. There is a lot of racial tension between hispanics and blacks, and I can't believe that that is not playing a part here. That's not to say that all latinos are voting against Obama because he's black, but given the well known tensions that exists between blacks and hispanics, it must be playing some role.

Can anybody think of a valid reason why such overwhelming hispanic support is going to Hillary despite the absolute irrationality of it given her positions?

Posted by: Jonathan | Feb 6, 2008 2:54:47 AM

Both of these candidates are just pandering again! Illegal immigration is just what the name says, "ILLEGAL". So any candidate pandering to the latino voters for anything other than support of latinos that are here legally, is condoning the flood of illegal immigrants that is now plagueing this country. And neither Clinton or Obama will deal with the situation. I wonder just how many "legal" voters showed as opposed to votes from individuals who I am quite sure used false ID to vote for the democrat that wants amnesty. That's how McCain beat Romney, he want's amnesty for illegals here already. In the long run amnesty will cost the US more in $$$ than deporting as many as we can now. All I can say is NONE of the candidates has the cajones to initiate a mass deportation as illegals are caught in droves. Load them up like cattle since that's how they got here and drop them off on the other side of the border.

Posted by: joe nunn | Feb 6, 2008 2:57:14 AM

everyone is arguing about specific little details about each canidate when they fail to realize that it's going to take more than 1 person to change this country after the mess the bush admistration left. we the people have to come together, who have the same views, let it be know what we need. and do something about it. i've listened to both obama and clintons recent videos, and while obama was talkin about the mountains and valley's coming together(whatever that means)and reading his note cards about the tragedies in Arkansas and Tennessee. Hillary is putting still across her statement of what needs to be done and actually addressing that tragedy was tornadoes and people died. She is putting out way more details if u listen and not addressing "i love you"s from the audience. (thats kinda love got Bill in trouble) I actually was torn between either our first black or our first woman president (cause the demicrates will win). i believe in equality and my freedom and our country needs this change. But being a hispanic lesbian woman, Hillary is OFFERING alot more of what i need for Change in the America i live in.!!!!!!

Posted by: Once Torn!! | Feb 6, 2008 4:18:50 AM

The Democratic party primary really proves that race/gender really do matter.

Posted by: Phil | Feb 6, 2008 8:38:06 AM

The Democratic party is the most divided racist party in the world. In places where there is a black majority it should be called the BLACK Democratic party.

Posted by: Race Card | Feb 6, 2008 8:47:35 AM

Hillary is the genuinely best candidate for all Americans. She has the votes from the whites, some blacks in the Southern states, the Latinos and the Asians. She is the best candidate to beat the Republican. She has been tested for decade in the public media, and she comes out strong and tough. She has clear details plans for this country to meet the current problems. The economy,health care, terrorism and immigration. On the other hand, Obama is full of empty talk. His speeches start to sound like a revival preacher. He promises are just empty promisses with no road maps to deliver them. He is arrogant to think that his oratory skills will blind the voters.

Posted by: tigerjcs | Feb 6, 2008 9:10:48 AM

Why and how? This is a joke. Obama will be the best candidate for latinos.

Posted by: why and how | Feb 6, 2008 10:12:11 AM

It's time to move forward in this country. Our major mistake will be moving back to the Clintons. With the nastiness displayed by the Clintons, to win by any means necessary, they have fractured the party. The party will be united in November backing McCain for President. The only votes Hillary will get are the same ones she got in the primary. I know I won't be voting for her, as I would rather have a president that can unite, not tear down the party just to get elected.

Posted by: LA in Indiana | Feb 6, 2008 10:13:20 AM

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