Islamic radicals kill 4 American diplomats in Libya and Egypt

Yesterday Americans peacefully remembered 9/11 with prayers and ceremonies. However, halfway around the world the U.S. Embassy in Egypt and U.S. Consulate in Libya were targeted by hundreds of Islamic radicals that resulted in the murder of U.S. Ambassador for Libya, J. Christopher Stevens, a Foreign Service Information Officer Sean Smith and two other U.S. embassy staffers. Gruesome photos of Ambassador Steven’s lifeless body being dragged through the streets in Benghazi lit up the Internet, and caused seven other Middle Eastern embassies to heighten security. The attack yesterday in Libya highlights terrorists continued hatred toward America and the fact the murders occurred on 9/11 demonstrates U.S. policy may not be working as planned. Last year Nobel Peace Prize winner, President Obama, declared war on the Libyan dictator and after a bloody eight-month engagement, the rebels, with the help of U.S. air and ground forces, captured and then murdered their brutal dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The New York Times reports, “The protesters in Cairo appeared to be a genuinely spontaneous unarmed mob angered by an anti-Islam video produced in the United States. By contrast, it appeared the attackers in Benghazi (Libya) were armed with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. Intelligence reports are inconclusive at this point, officials said, but indications suggest the possibility that an organized group had either been waiting for an opportunity to exploit like the protests over the video or perhaps even generated the protests as a cover for their attack.” The mass protests in Cairo also stemmed from a Jewish Israeli-American filmmaker, Sam Bacile (a pseudonym), who produced a movie entitled “Innocence of Muslims,” according to the Wall Street Journal. Apparently the movie depicted a derogatory view of the prophet Muhammad, something Muslim extremists find offensive. Regardless of the rational used by Islamic extremists the breeching of the U.S. Consulate in Cairo and Libya underscores the lingering hatred for America. It’s worth pointing out that America has spent trillions of dollars in perpetual Middle East Wars, billions in foreign aid and supported unsavory rebels to topple ruthless dictators. The politically correct statement released by the Cairo embassy did nothing to curtail or pacify the terrorists who later brutally attacked the Libyan embassy and killed four American citizens. “Obama’s first reaction was to apologize,” said Lt. Col. Army (ret) Ralph Peters. “The Egyptian government knew it was happening. Egypt is getting billions of U.S. aid and they refused to protect the U.S. embassy.” It was the U.S. embassy apology statement controversy and subsequent murders that dominated news outlet coverage. Ironically, the State Department’s announcement contended the clear acts of terrorism were predicated on the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment freedom of speech. While many pundits concluded that these attacks were an act of war, Peters disagreed and said they were a war-like act. “We are supposed to defend our Constitution not elevate political correctness. Our military takes an oath to uphold and protect our Constitution.” Currently the elite Marine group, Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team, (FAST) which responds to these types of terror-related emergencies, was on route to provide security for the U.S. embassy in Libya. President Obama’s response This morning President Obama began backtracking of the politically correct statement his Cairo staff released yesterday. In a Rose Garden press conference, the President insisted those responsible would be held accountable. “I strongly condemn the outrageous attack on our diplomatic facility in Benghazi, which took the lives of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. Right now, the American people have the families of those we lost in our thoughts and prayers. They exemplified America's commitment to freedom, justice, and partnership with nations and people around the globe, and stand in stark contrast to those who callously took their lives. I have directed my Administration to provide all necessary resources to support the security of our personnel in Libya, and to increase security at our diplomatic posts around the globe. While the United States rejects efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others, we must all unequivocally oppose the kind of senseless violence that took the lives of these public servants. On a personal note, Chris was a courageous and exemplary representative of the United States. Throughout the Libyan revolution, he selflessly served our country and the Libyan people at our mission in Benghazi. As Ambassador in Tripoli, he has supported Libya's transition to democracy. His legacy will endure wherever human beings reach for liberty and justice. I am profoundly grateful for his service to my Administration, and deeply saddened by this loss. The brave Americans we lost represent the extraordinary service and sacrifices that our civilians make every day around the globe. As we stand united with their families, let us now redouble our own efforts to carry their work forward,” the President concluded. A Muslim response The American Islamic Forum for Democracy responded quickly to the attacks on U.S. embassies. “The actions of the mob in Libya and the clear interventions of the former regime are nothing short of pure evil and in no way representative of the teachings and practices of the faith of Islam,” Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, a devout Muslim and author of A Battle for the Soul of Islam: An American Muslim Patriot’s Fight to Save His Faith.” We must not blink in the face of this irrational reaction to the mere words of a little known filmmaker.” Dr. Jasser said that the U.S. embassy in Egypt’s first politically correct apology statement regarding the Islamic extremist attacks was counterproductive and only justified their cause by condemning the free speech of a Jewish moviemaker. This type of terrorist tactic is nothing new. In fact, just like the mistaken Koran burning in Afghanistan, this method is a reliable propaganda tool used by Middle East terrorists. “We need a bold strategy in this region to foster the liberty minded Muslims in these countries to work against these elements of hate and anti-Americanism. We need to help the people of these countries to go through a reformation and step into modernity and away from these irrational actions,” Jasser finished. Conclusion Unfortunately, as American’s wake up on this September 12, the country remains at war. The 11-year battle isn’t about freedom or democracy, but radical Muslim ideology. It’s up to Islamic protestors to determine the heart and souls of their respective countries. America may choose to play a quiet role behind the scenes, but ultimately the citizens of Middle Eastern nations must take the lead, define their governance doctrines and rebuild their nations. With the Arab Spring quickly turning into the Arab Winter, does America’s expensive foreign policy justify the end results? For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/guns-fuel-drug-cartels-mexico © Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

9/11 “War on Terror” has come with a hefty price

Eleven years ago al Qaeda’s attack struck the hearts of America. The fall of the towers and the stories of heroism from ordinary citizens and first responders inspired a splintered country, to unite behind its new President George W. Bush who turned to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to avenge the brazen terrorist attacks. Elite military forces descended into the tribal caves in Afghanistan and in the words of former CIA Officer in charge Cofer Black, “We’ll get them…and they’ll have flies walking on their eyeballs.” The no nonsense CIA leader trained 300 army Special Forces, 110 CIA officers and brought Afghanistan to its knees in 10 weeks. The cities and government were toppled, America’s swift and decisive action brought justice and victory to the shiny city on the hill. Black further explained, “It would have been catastrophic to take our time and send in the conventional military, to do an imitation of the Soviet army getting chewed up in Afghanistan — 10 years, 10,000 killed and 30,000 wounded.” Not to mention they left bankrupt. Unfortunately, both Presidents Bush and Obama didn’t listen to the man who brought a swift and strong response to the terrorists who murdered 2,996 people on 9/11. It has been no secret that al-Qaeda expanded its successful (and U.S. supported) Afghanistan tactics against the Russians in its move to punish the U.S. for desecrating Islam’s holiest place, Saudi Arabia. The cave-dwelling extremists successfully launched numerous small attacks against the western world to hamper American’s ability to be at all places, all the time. From the first New York Trade Center bombing in 1993, to the attack on the USS Cole in 2000 and 9-11 attack (al Qaeda’s timeline), al-Qaeda has sought to entice the Americans to commit military forces in the Middle East where they could be targets for an unconventional war. The major purpose of this escalation was to unite all Muslims against America by exploiting war atrocities in propaganda through the Internet, which was used as a recruiting tool to fight their great war. So how successful was al Qaeda’s plan? The “War on Terror,” Obama’s kill lists and drone strikes have been recruiting goal mines for al Qaeda. Abu Ghraib, water boarding, rendition, Guantanamo detention facility, drone strikes, to name a few, have all been public relations nightmares for America. Perhaps more predictably, the U.S. defense industry kicked into high gear to exploit the new “War on Terror.” And the costs have been staggering, over the last decade the Department of Defense (DoD) budget exponentially increased in order to fight the perpetual war. In FY2000 the DoD’s budget was $398.8 billion, it peaked in FY2008 at $718.4 billion and this year the Pentagon raked in $676.2 billion taxpayer dollars. Budget hawks can also visit the “Cost of War” website to monitor the war-debt clock. To date, the U.S. has increased its national debt from $5.6 trillion in 2000 to more than $16 trillion in 2012. The hidden costs (like life long medical care) of the War on Terror have yet to be realized but conservative estimates are $3-5 trillion according to experts. But ultimately the 6,600 soldier deaths and thousands more wounded can never be replaced. The constant fear mongering by both political parties has resulted in the adoption of the oppressive Patriot Act. Congress authorized and expanded “security” measures to protect Americans from future terror attacks, but the real consequence has been changing the way we live. This drastic change was al Qaeda’s second objective in their mission statement. A post 9/11 world has consolidated dozens of agencies into super intelligence gathering machines, that have perfected warrantless searches, instituted eavesdropping programs to monitor phone calls, texts, and emails. Americans also learned last week that the FBI is launching a national billion-dollar face-recognition system throughout the U.S. to track the whereabouts of American citizens. The focus of the “War on Terror” shifted from addressing the intelligence failures that led to 9/11 to a new “national war” on American citizens. Fueled by fear, the government has “justified” the implementation of the most oppressive national intelligence gathering and detention program in world history. The dictators of Germany and Russia would have been stunned by the enormity of this technological concentration and well-organized attack on the individual freedoms of all Americans. Was al-Qaeda prescient in adopting its strategic goals as described by John Brennan, DNI (details here), of financially bankrupting the U.S. and changing the way we live by engaging in perpetual war or did they just know us better than we know ourselves? Or perhaps al Qaeda’s objective of changing the way we live on the world stage can serve as a wake-up call for Americans to reassess the unbridled power of the government when constitutional safeguards are tossed aside and the subjective determinations of bureaucrats are substituted for the Rule of Law. For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/guns-fuel-drug-cartels-mexico © Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

A Fast and Furious murder suspect arrested in Mexico

A year and a half after U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was murdered in an Arizona desert with weapons from the ill conceived Operation Fast and Furious; Mexican authorities claim they have arrested Jesus Leonel Sanchez Meza who was charged with Terry’s murder earlier this year. The botched Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) gunwalking program allowed thousands of high-powered weapons to cross the southern border and fall into the hands of ruthless drug cartels. In July the federal government released key details contained in their indictment against five men wanted for the murder of Agent Terry. The suspect’s identities as well as a $1 million reward were offered to find the suspects who fled back to Mexico. So far, officials have not said if Sanchez Meza’s arrest came from a tipster. The arrest was made in the Sonoran state of Mexico. According to the indictment, Manuel Osorio-Arellanes, Jesus Rosario Favela-Astorga, Ivan Soto-Barraza, Heraclio Osorio-Arellanes and Lionel Portillo-Meza (an alias Mr. Sánchez often uses) are charged with crimes including first degree murder, second degree murder, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, attempted interference with commerce by robbery, use and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, assault on a federal officer and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. A sixth defendant, Rito Osorio-Arellanes, is charged only with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and remains in custody. The government’s indictment alleges the defendants illegally entered America from Mexico with the intent to rob drug traffickers of their illicit drugs and cash. Two of the weapons recovered at the Mexican bandit rip crew and Border Patrol shootout scene were later identified as Fast and Furious guns. “This is one more step toward justice for the family of fallen Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry… Ultimately, not only the bandits who fired the shots but also those who put the guns in their hands must all be held accountable,” said Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA). Issa spearheaded the investigation into Operation Fast and Furious, a gunwalking scheme that allowed more than 2,000 high-powered weapons to be straw-purchased and delivered to violent Mexican drug cartels. Eventually the Fast and Furious scandal lead to a Congressional investigation and Eric Holder, Attorney General for the Department of Justice (DOJ) was charged with contempt by Congress for failing to turn over more than 70,000 documents related to the controversial gunwalking program. The Terry family remains critical of the Obama Administration’s handling of their son’s murder investigation. Not only did a Fast and Furious gun kill agent Terry, but there have been numerous reports that tie the failed ATF program to murdered Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) Agent Jamie Zapata. In addition, Mexican law enforcement officials have said hundreds of their citizens have been murdered with Fast and Furious guns. Three suspects remain on the run. Previous Fast and Furious stories: http://www.examiner.com/article/atf-s-fast-furious-gunwalking-indictment-unsealed For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/guns-fuel-drug-cartels-mexico © Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Rep. Hunter seeks to block California giving illegals driver’s licenses

Looking to block California Governor Jerry Brown’s effort to allow illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses under President Obama’s deferred action executive order, Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) released draft legislation today that would restrict some federal funding to any states that give DREAMers (kids under the age of 30) permission to drive. The Obama Administration’s “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” directive took effect last month and provides an opportunity for illegal alien children, who were brought to the U.S. by their irresponsible parents, a chance to obtain legal status. However, the specifics of the executive order were vague opening the door for states to issue various types of legal identification programs. Typically, Republican-led governors are blocking deferred action recipients from obtaining driver’s licenses. On the flip side, Democrat-led governors want to issue the most common form of ID, state driver’s licenses. For example, a bill passed by the California state legislature was given to Governor Brown that would give 450,000 deferred action applicants’ driver’s licenses. “The State of California is a leader in sanctuary policies that stand in direct violation of the law,” Congressman Hunter explained. “In this case, the state will hide behind a federal policy that sidestepped Congress, but that won’t change the fact that the Administration’s directive disregards federal law and disrespects those who have been patiently and lawfully waiting for their opportunity. The only way California will begin abiding by the law—whether on this or any other immigration-related issue—is if there are direct consequences for implementing and defending sanctuary policies.” In an effort to clarify President Obama’s executive order, Hunter’s legislation would deny federal funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to states that issue driver’s licenses under Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) new program. This year California received more than $23 million from the federal government’s COPS program. The federal COPS program also provides state law enforcement agencies with a practice of community policing using research, guidebooks, and it funds new hires with supplemental salaries. Citing his draft legislation, Congressman Hunter added, “This bill presents California and other states with a clear choice. Should the state choose to proceed with issuing driver’s licenses, then it will have to do so without funding from the federal government that is intended to help enforce laws that the state continues to ignore. Should the state choose to uphold its obligations and consistently and thoroughly enforce the law, then supplemental federal funding will remain available. It’s a simple proposition—intended to help California make the right decision to best serve the interests of families and taxpayers.” For more stories: http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak © Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Drug kingpin Arellano-Felix has his day in a San Diego court

The fourth and final brother of the Arellano Felix Organization (AFO), a ruthless Tijuana drug cartel, was extradited from Mexico City to San Diego on Friday and pleaded not guilty to all charges in a Southern District of California federal courtroom this morning. After years of unsuccessful appeals, the Mexican government finally granted the U.S. government’s extradition request and Eduardo Arellano-Felix, 55, one of the alleged leaders of the AFO, made his first court appearance on charges of racketeering, money laundering and drug trafficking. The legal proceeding effectively ends the AFO’s 20-year reign of terror in Tijuana. Nearly four years ago, October 2008, Arellano-Felix engaged Mexican authorities is a sustained gun battle in an upscale Tijuana neighborhood that later gained notoriety on YouTube. “This extradition is a significant step in our effort to bring another key figure in the Arellano Felix Organization to answer, in an American court of law, to very serious charges,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy, whose office secured the indictment. “We are grateful to the Government of Mexico for its assistance in the extradition.” The Arellano-Felix drug trafficking/money laundering investigation was coordinated by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a Department of Justice (DOJ) D.C.-based program that coordinates multiple law enforcement efforts to successfully dismantle high-profile organized crime elements. OCDETF was also involved in the fatally- flawed gunwalking program Fast and Furious that ended with the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. “The extradition is a milestone in our fight against the Mexican drug cartels. I want to thank the Criminal Division's Office of International Affairs for its tireless work in helping to ensure that Eduardo Arellano-Felix and numerous of his alleged co-conspirators face justice in the United States,” Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer said. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) spent the last 20 years investigating the AFO drug trafficking activities. “This extradition illustrates that DEA and all its law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue these drug traffickers until they are brought to justice,” said William Sherman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego DEA. During their 20-year reign the AFO kingpins controlled the flow of drugs across the California border. Working with other Mexican and Columbian cartel networks, the AFO successfully trafficked cocaine, marijuana and money across multiple California border crossings. According to a DOJ statement; “The seventh superseding indictment charges Arellano-Felix with conducting the affairs of an illegal enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity (RICO), conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine and marijuana, as well as money laundering. The indictment alleges that the leadership of the AFO negotiated directly with Colombian cocaine-trafficking organizations for the purchase of multi-ton shipments of cocaine, received those shipments by sea and by air, in Mexico, and then arranged for the smuggling of the cocaine into the United States and its further distribution throughout the U.S. The indictment also alleges that the proceeds of the AFO's drug trafficking, estimated by law enforcement to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, were then smuggled back into Mexico.” Eduardo’s brothers, Benjamin Arellano-Felix and Francisco Javier Arellano Felix, are serving 25-year sentences in U.S. prisons following their convictions for racketeering, drug trafficking and money laundering charges. An Arellano-Felix nephew, Fernando Sánchez Arellano, has allegedly taken the helm of the severely weakened drug cartel. Today’s brief arraignment was held in U.S. District Court in San Diego before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Lynn Major. Arellano-Felix was assigned attorney Brian Funk and will have a chance to request bail this Friday. For more stories: http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak © Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

California Democrats shakedown businesses to pass tax hikes

Shakedown politics may be nothing new in Chicago, however, for California businesses strong-armed tactics are being employed to push unrestrained legislative spending. For example, large businesses are told to pay up in support of Proposition 30 or face the wrath of harmful legislation by lawmakers loyal to the unions. “The governor and Democratic legislators are extorting large companies,” said George Runner, of the State Board of Equalization. “They are saying if you don’t support our tax increase on the average citizens, we will come after you.” Proposition 30 is the brainchild of California’s powerful unions and hopes voters will shore up bloated public school budgets. Their “do it for the kids” motto speaks volumes, but the “kids” in California rank second to last in the country for math and science. Opponents say the new taxpayer cash infusion will do nothing to improve test scores and promises more of the same mediocre results. Nevertheless that doesn’t stop lawmakers from currying favor with businesses that have nothing to do with education. According to Jon Coupal, of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association: “The reason that so many large businesses are supporting higher taxes today, while so many opposed tax relief 34 years ago, is precisely the same. Howard Jarvis would say that the principle inventory of these big businesses was cowardice, but he understood what was at stake for many of these firms. He explained it this way: ‘Actually, a number of people in a position to know told me that the Bank of America and other big corporations that came out against 13 wanted to support it. But Assembly Speaker Leo McCarthy let them know that if they didn’t oppose 13, the Legislature would find a way to punish them.’” Prop 13 passed anyway. Being touted as the “$100,000 or more club” companies like, Aera Energy ($125,000), Occidental Petroleum ($500,000), America Beverage Corp. ($250,000), Disney ($100,000), Warner Bros. ($100,000), Viacom ($100,000), CBS ($100,000), NBC ($100,000), Sony ($100,000), Dignity Health ($150,000), Blue Shield of California ($150,000), Anthem Blue Cross ($100,000), State Farm, California Cable & Telecommunications Assn. ($100,000), Pepsi Cola ($148,675), and Coca Cola ($186,110), are reputedly ponying up big bucks to promote a November taxpayer sales tax increase as part of doing business in the “new” California. A number of these companies declined comment regarding their support of Proposition 30. The top contributors to Proposition 30 are: CA Teachers Assn. Issues PAC $1,531,690 American Federation of Teachers $1,200,000 Service Employees Int’l Union $1,053,218 Democratic State Central Committee $1,050,489 CA State Council of Service Employees $1,008,630 CA Nurses Association $1,000,000 Pace of California School Employees $1,000,000 CA Federation of Teachers $ 800,000 United Domestic Workers of America $ 800,000 CA Hospital Committee $ 500,000 United Brotherhood of Carpenters/Joiners $ 500,000 Proposition 30 supporters boast a wide range of contributors including the likes of Peninsula Interfaith Action that donated $184.80, Personal Insurance Federation of California that donated $695.65 and Good Jobs Los Angeles that donated $1,298.03. (View the current list of donors here) Coupal says some things never change. “Ironically, all the faces in Sacramento have changed but one. Jerry Brown was governor (in 1978) and is governor now. Rumor has it he (Gov. Brown) has been working the phones hard with a heavy-handed message. And any business that is subject to state regulation and/or is under threat of a potential tax increase is likely to listen very carefully to even a polite call from the governor.” The California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris did not respond to a request for comment on this story, but a spokesperson said they never divulge information regarding any investigations. Coupal goes on to say, “I have been told personally by officers and lobbyists from many of the organizations and interests who have contributed to Brown’s tax hike proposal that they have been threatened with harmful legislation if they didn’t financially support the massive tax hike… With one party rule in California, the adage ‘absolute power corrupts absolutely.’” A statement that California residents will unfortunately have to live with since they gave Democrats a super majority in the 2010 midterm elections that ultimately resulted in the creation of Proposition 30. During that same election, voters overwhelmingly told Sacramento no new taxes. Most agree that in the current economic environment, large businesses cannot afford new regulations and the prospect of moving out of the state isn’t a cost-effective option--this leaves businesses susceptible to bullying politicians. “Look, the California economy is incredibly fragile and the state is suffering a man-made economic disaster,” Runner finished. For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak © Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Only 4 percent of voters in swing states are Latino

There is no question the Hispanic population is the fastest voting bloc in the nation. However, U.S. Census Bureau numbers provide a slightly different picture of the Latino voter- the sought-after bloc only represents 4 percent of the vote in most swing states. The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), an immigration think tank, pooled all the Census Bureau data to formulate a composite of the Hispanic voter. CIS concluded that Latino voters represent 8.9 percent of the 2012 voting electorate, up 1.5 percent in 2008. Surprisingly, the Hispanic voters only represent about 4 percent of the vote in the important swing states. “While Hispanic voters are a small share of the electorate, in a close election they could decide the outcome,” explained Steve Camarota, CIS director of research. “Of course, the same is true of many other voting blocs, such as veterans or senior citizens. It would a mistake to overemphasize race to the exclusion of other factors.” With the presidential race in a dead heat, the GOP’s immigration platform may not boost their standing inside the illegal immigration population. This week at the Republican convention, leaders unveiled a tough illegal immigration platform that includes a call to end all sanctuary cities, finish building the southwest border fence and mandate all businesses to use E-Verify. That being said, just how many Hispanic voters does Presidential-hopeful, Mitt Romney, really need? The CIS comprehensive study provides a snapshot of the Latino voter. National share of the Hispanic vote: We project that in November 2012 Hispanics will comprise 17.2 percent of the total U.S. population, 15 percent of adults, 11.2 percent of adult citizens, and 8.9 percent of actual voters. In 2012, non-Hispanic whites are expected to be 73.4 percent of the national vote and non-Hispanic blacks are expected to be 12.2 percent. To place the Hispanic share of the electorate into perspective, eight percentage points of the Hispanic vote nationally equals slightly less than one percentage point of the non-Hispanic white vote. The 8.9 percent Hispanic share of voters compares to veterans (12 percent), those with family incomes above $100,000 (18 percent), seniors 65 and older (19 percent), married persons (60 percent), and those who live in owner-occupied housing (80 percent). In terms of voter turnout, we project that 52.7 percent (± 0.6) of eligible Hispanics will vote in the upcoming election, an increase from 49.9 percent in 2008 and a continuation of the past decade’s long upward trend. The projected Hispanic voter participation rate of 52.7 percent compares to 66.1 percent for non-Hispanic whites and 65.2 percent for non-Hispanic blacks in 2008. Share in Battleground States: In the seven states listed by The Cook Political Report in July as “toss-ups”, we project that Hispanics will average 8.0 percent of voters in 2012, compared to 8.9 percent nationally. The seven toss-up states are Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Virginia. In the four states listed by Cook as “leaning” toward one party or the other, the Hispanic vote will average 2.8 percent of the electorate in November. The four leaning states are Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. In the seven states Cook identifies as “likely” for one party or the other, Hispanics will average 9.8 percent of the vote. Excluding New Mexico, they will average 4.4 percent of voters in the remaining six “likely” states. The likely states are Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Maine, Minnesota, and New Mexico. Taken together Hispanics will average 7.6 percent of the electorate across the “toss-up”, “leaning”, and “likely” states. If we combine the populations of these states and calculate the Hispanic share of the electorate, Hispanics are projected to be 6.6 percent of the vote. The Hispanic share of voters varies significantly in the 18 battleground states. In 12 of the 18 states, Hispanics are projected to be less than 4 percent of the electorate (Virginia, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, and Maine). But in four of the states (New Mexico, Florida, Nevada, and Arizona), Hispanics will be more than 16 percent of the vote. Non-Hispanic whites are projected to be slightly overrepresented (79.4 percent) in battleground states relative to their share of the national electorate. Like Hispanics, non-Hispanic blacks (9.4 percent) tend to be slightly underrepresented in battleground states. While the number of Hispanic voters in the swing states represents a much lower number than most politicos report, in a close race they can tip the scales in favor of Democrats. For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak © Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.