For Clinton, Latino vote could swing the deal
But Obama is pushing hard: ‘As Latinos get to know me, we do better’
MSNBC and NBC News
updated 8:06 a.m. ET, Fri., Feb. 8, 2008

For decades, much has been said about the potential power of Latino voters, but rarely has their impact lived up to expectations.

This year is different, according to political analysts and leaders of Latino activist organizations. While many Latinos like and admire both of the leading Democratic candidates for president, these authorities say, their years-long connection to former President Bill Clinton could deliver the party’s nomination to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York.

The problem is not with Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, said respected Latino political analysts, who rejected as a too-easy stereotype the suggestion that Latino voters would not vote for Obama because he is a black man.

“That is an argument without foundation,â€