[Antoninus]

The key hurdle will be the U.S. House & Senate.

Well, if the poll numbers don't change (a pretty big "if", I know), I suspect the vote whores in Congress will have serious trouble voting against this. Especially in districts where the loss of even 5-10% of the Black or Hispanic vote could swing things....

[AntiGuv]

Well, if the poll numbers don't change (a pretty big "if", I know), I suspect the vote whores in Congress will have serious trouble voting against this.

The highest number of senators I can come up with that I expect may oppose this amendment is 26, well short of the necessary 34 to defeat. I haven't done a break-down on the House (nor do I intend to) but I would be quite shocked if they can come up with anywhere near 145 congress critters to oppose this.

IMHO, the Amendment appears quite likely to secure ratification from both the Congress & the States. It'll be one hell of a battle, though, as templar noted..