Voter enthusiasm for Barack Obama just isn't as strong this time, and that presents an opportunity for Mitt Romney in battleground states.
According to the Latino Decisions poll, 46 percent of Latinos said they were more enthusiastic about voting in 2008, with only 38 percent saying they feel more enthusiastic this time around.
A whopping 53 percent of Latinos said they now feel less excited about Obama.
.... Some Democrats have acknowledged fears about Latino turnout as well. In the recent interview in his Los Angeles City Hall offices, Villaraigosa outlined why he is worried about turnout this fall.
"I've said for some time I'm concerned about turnout among the broader electorate. You know it seems that every year the percentage of people voting in municipal, state and even national elections seems to be going down. But as you said among Latinos that's even more true," [LA Mayor Antonio] Villaraigosa said.
Romney had some pretty harsh rhetoric on immigration in the primary campaign, so he could have trouble capitalizing on the depressed enthusiasm, but that's not the point. If Obama wins by 80% and two people vote, that's not a problem for Romney.
