Hispanics: Fastest Growing Group

Hispanics continue to be the state's and the nation's fastest growing population group, according to new federal census figures.

As such, they are wielding increasing political influence, locally and nationally, said those who study population trends.

"There is always political power in numbers, and as their numbers increase, the Hispanic population becomes much more of a critical mass of influence in all political quarters," said Timothy W. Brennan, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.....

...."Hispanics will certainly be a very important group going forward," said Raymond J. La Raja, assistant professor of political science at University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

"It's a very young population and as they get older, they will vote more often, so they will be a formidable force in politicc. Clearly, the nation is diversifying," Brennan said. "And the more diversified we are, the stronger we are at being able to engage and compete in a global marketplace." READ MORE

By STAN FREEMAN - The Republican Newsroom