Hispanic Vote Could Decide 2012 Elections

The number of Hispanics is growing sharply in several states that Republicans see as very important in their effort to regain control of the Senate. The Hispanic voters also could play a major role in deciding a presidential campaign. So some GOP strategists are concerned that a strong stance against illegal immigrants could work against them, The Hill reports.

New census statistics show the Hispanic population soared by 58 percent in Montana over the past decade, 77 percent in Nebraska, and 79 percent in Missouri. Democratic senators face hotly contested re-election campaigns in all of those states.

"If this becomes an election all about the economy, there's a major opening for a Republican candidate to appeal to Latino voters," Bob Moore, a Republican pollster, told The Hill.

"But if it becomes about immigration, then it could be problematic for the Republican nominee," Moore added.