Most Hispanic voters surveyed want government to do more to meet peoples' needs. Poll: The GOP's Hispanic nightmare

The Republican brand is like a dog with fleas in the Hispanic community, and it’s not just because of immigration.

A new poll conducted by a Republican pollster for GOP-aligned groups finds that a majority of Hispanics in four swing states would be willing to vote for a candidate even if they don’t agree with his or her position on immigration.


( PHOTOS: 20 quotes on immigration reform)

But on a host of issues, from abortion to the role of government, the fast-growing Hispanic population breaks with conservatives. Majorities in Florida, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico also agreed that “the Republican party does not respect the values and concerns of the Hispanic community.” In Colorado, they said so by a 33-point margin, 63 percent to 30 percent.

Resurgent Republic and the Hispanic Leadership Network unveiled the findings Wednesday. They jointly surveyed 400 registered Hispanic voters in each of four states carried by President Barack Obama last month. The poll was conducted from Nov. 28 to Dec. 7 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percent.

“If Republicans achieve 40 percent or more of Hispanics nationally, they can elect conservatives to national office,” said GOP pollster Whit Ayres, who unveiled the numbers at a press conference. “Settling for a quarter or less of the Hispanic vote nationally will relegate Republicans to a regional party with few national prospects.”

Only about three in 10 view the Republican Party positively in Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. It’s 44 percent in Florida, but that’s because of the high percentage of conservative Cubans.

By a margin of nearly 2-to-1, Hispanics surveyed said that government should do more to solve problems and meet the needs of people. Asked whether government should increase investments or limit spending, taxes and regulations, majorities picked more investment.

Pluralities of Hispanics were pro-choice in Colorado, Florida and Nevada. In New Mexico, 48 percent identified themselves as pro-life, and 40 percent called themselves pro-choice. Pluralities also supported gay marriage.

The poll showed that majorities of Hispanics in all four states believe the Democratic Party cares more about helping the middle class than the Republican Party cares about the same. They also say the Democratic Party understands the needs and concerns of Hispanic voters, works to protect women’s rights and has the right plans to improve education.

Top GOP leaders from the Hispanic community are largely undefined outside their home states.

In Nevada, for example, 65 percent have either never heard of or have no opinion about New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez.

In New Mexico, meanwhile, 84 percent have either never heard of or have no opinion about Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval. In the same state, 51 percent don’t know enough to offer an opinion of Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

Respondents were read nine different policies related to immigration. They supported all but one by strong margins, including guest worker programs, border security and various pathways to legal status. Strong majorities opposed “taking aggressive steps to seek out and deport as many undocumented immigrants as possible.” Among Hispanics, there is minimal opposition to strengthening border security.

HLN Executive Director Jennifer Korn contends that conservative policies are more closely aligned with the values of Hispanic voters. She believes that minority voters are alienated by “the tone of some Republicans running for office.”

“Continuing on this path is political suicide for conservatives,” she said in a statement releasing the numbers. “It is up to the rising stars of the conservative movement, from Paul Ryan to Marco Rubio, to change the tide.”