How Do Hispanics Feel About Richardson Endorsment?

http://www.gallup.com/poll/105553/Ri...Hispanics.aspx

March 21, 2008 Richardson for Obama: Will It Matter to Hispanics? Frank Newport

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson endorsed Democratic contender Barack Obama Friday, with news reports underscoring the significance it might have for Obama's standing among Hispanics.

There is little question that Obama needs help from Hispanic voters. In Gallup Poll Daily tracking data collected between March 1 and March 16, Obama trailed Hillary Clinton among white, Hispanic Democrats by 22 percentage points, 59% to 37% Obama trailed by 15 points among non-Hispanic whites. And, as is widely known, Obama gets the overwhelming majority (80%) of the black Democratic vote.

In an official e-mail statement Friday, Richardson called attention to his ethnic background, "As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his [Obama's] words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants -- specifically Hispanics -- by too many in this country. Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences -- and place blame on others not like them."