A common assumption among political analysts has been that the Republican Party is making slow but steady inroads into the California Latino vote. In American political history, however, there are defining events that influence ethnic communities' political allegiances. Conversely, Cuban Americans flocked to the Republican Party after their perceived betrayal by the Kennedy Administration. If so, Republican candidates are going to have a rough time. Throughout the next decade, well over 1 million new Latino voters will enter the California electorate from two streams.
Political memories are long-lasting in ethnic communities.