With 23% of eligible voters in New York City being of Latino decent: I have sometimes wondered where does the Republican Party fit in New York City Politics? Many thoughts of missed opportunities come to mind when we think of the GOP. Yet, there does not seem to be any signs of redemption for Republicans in Queens County.
Over the years our community has accepted the reality of a one party system. Neighborhoods such as Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst and East Elmhurst have grown a custom to seeing elections stop at the Democratic Primary; such as the city council race in Council District 21, where the incumbent will be running unopposed for both the primary and general election. The practice of a one party system in our community has created a series of low voter turnouts in local elections, resulting in fewer registered voters and the essentially causing the extinction of Latino Republicans in Queens, even though the number of eligible Latino voters will continue to increase every year. Yet, the GOP has done nothing to attract Latino voters.
History has shown us the importance of the Latino Vote, especially for Republican Candidates. In 2004 President George W. Bush received 44% of the Latino vote, in 1993 Mayor Rudy Giuliani received about two thirds of the Latino vote (as reported by the NY Times), and in 2009 Mayor Bloomberg received 21% of the Latino vote (in a close marginal race). Now that the Latino vote has proven itself to be crucial in election it is time for the Queens Republican Party to realize the overwhelming growth of diversity in our city.
Some individuals may say the collapse of the GOP is both local and national. On the national level the (anti-everything) Tea Party has painted the GOP to becoming anti-immigrant, anti-economic policies, and anti-religion (other than Christian). Yet, the Tea Party is clear on its decision to being pro-war. This rhetoric from the Tea Party faction has not only damaged the GOP brand but has also caused friction within the party (as many Latino Republicans choose to change their registration to independent). On a local level, the failure of the GOP to support local moderate candidates combined with their support of the national tea party has prevented party growth in the Latino Community.
While the opportunity to recognize and attract the Latino vote remains available: what will the GOP do to capture the support of our community? Recently, we have seen a small glimmer of hope in the GOP brand, with Mayoral Candidates Joe Lhota, City Comptroller Candidate John Burnett, and Queens Borough President Candidate Aurelio Arcabascio. Each of these candidates understands the importance of a diverse New York City, and each candidate has campaigned in large Latino districts. Ironically, during the campaign trail the GOP candidates have done something the Queens GOP brand has failed to do. They have shown consciousness in recognizing the needs of the Latino community and the importance of inclusion with the Latino Community.
Joe Lhota has continued showing his support for minority owned small businesses, options in public education, and has supported a municipal identification card for the undocumented immigrants to participate in our economy. He understands the difference of being employed versus underemployed (low wages) and the effect that has in our community.
Unfortunately, support of these candidates draw a thin line because of the failure of the Queens GOP brand to engage in local politics and separate themselves from national level republicans.
Written by Eric Córdova