Can Hispanic Voters Save Clinton's Campaign?

Feb. 14, 2008 — -- Hispanics make up more than a third of the voters in Texas, so both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are courting that crucial demographic.

They are employing star power, such as an "Ugly Betty" star stumping for Clinton, and running high-impact ads targeted to Hispanics to make their case.

"I think it's going to be a lot fun campaigning there, lots of Mexican food and you know good times," Clinton said of the Texas race, with 228 delegates at stake.

A new study shows that Hispanics are not only the fastest growing ethnic group in the country, but predicts that by 2050 whites will no longer be in the majority in the United States.

The Texas showdown virtually gives Hispanics, who make up 36 percent of the population, the chance to save Clinton's campaign.

As in California, she is the overwhelming favorite with Hispanic voters in Texas, thanks in large part to warm memories of her husband and his support for Hispanics.

"It's simply that Latinos know her better, there is name recognition, Latinos still remember good economic times with Bill Clinton," said Jorge Ramos, a Univision television anchor.

But a lot could change between now and the March 4 primary. The candidates have to do more to court Hispanics than show off their rudimentary language skills.

"Barack Obama has tried to say, 'Si se puede,' yes we can, but for Latinos the most important thing in this election is that finally candidates are addressing their concerns and their problems," Ramos said.

Clinton told ABC News' Kate Snow that she has deep roots in the Hispanic community.

"This is something that is not easily developed," she said. "You have to work on it. It is part of who I am, part how I live, part of the reason I have so many people working for me across Texas."

Obama's campaign started wooing Hispanic voters late, and political watchers have wondered whether Hispanics would embrace a black candidate, given historic friction between the two ethnic groups, who've often had to compete for the same limited opportunities.