A Latin Power Surge.

Examines the influence of Latino politicians in U.S. politics as of May 30, 2005. Comments of Antonio Villaraigosa on his election as the mayor of Los Angeles, California; Report that Villaraigosa's campaign motivated Latinos to vote in record numbers and created a multiethnic political coalition; Impact of the Latino community on the success of the Democratic Party; Discussion of the impact of Latino voters on the 2004 U.S. Presidential election; Description of campaigning among Latinos by President George W. Bush and the Republican Party during the 2004 campaign; Impact of religion on the voting behavior of Latinos; Planning among Democratic leaders to effectively campaign in Latino communities; Impact of relations between Latinos and African Americans on the political influence of each group.