The push is part of a broader change in strategy for Latino leaders. The movement built up its power as the fastest growing Democratic voting bloc in the country, one Obama himself relied on in both of his presidential campaigns.
On the right, Republicans are focused on winning over more Hispanic voters. After losing minority voters to Obama by wide margins in 2012, the Republican National Committee identified the problem in a report that became a flash point in conservative politics.
Only 28 of the 435 seats in the House and only three of the 100 Senate seats are held by Latinos. Statewide, the numbers are even bleaker — there are only eight statewide elected Latinos.
“One of the reasons Latinos participate in politics at such a low rate is because they don’t see themselves reflected on the ballot,” said Cristobal Alex, executive director of the Latino Victory Project.
http://www.politico.com/story/2014/06/barack-obama-latino-leaders-107503.html