Maybe some “Hispanics” saw the Dim candidate’s paternalistic attitude toward them for what it is - you’re Hispanics, Hispanics vote for Dims, you should vote for me - and resented it. And they likely saw Martinez did not try to pander to them as “Hispanics”, but as individuals with individual concerns - “Hispanic” or not.
It is important to be able to speak their language, even if they understand English, in order for ideas to click.
It is important to be able to speak their language, even if they understand English, in order for ideas to click.
That was pretty much my reaction too.
One amusing campaign note is that a debate was held by the Spanish language station in ABQ. Susana was asked and answered questions in Spanish. King had to have the question translated to English and his response translated back to Spanish. It was awkward for him, to say the least.
New Mexico, being a former Spanish/Mexican colony, requires in its state constitution that election documents (and others) be prepared in both English and Spanish. This makes the ballot accessible to voters in both languages. It also shows the importance of voter ID to screen out those not eligible to vote.