<I think Bush really does think there is a reason to court the Latino vote.

You are right of course. The problem, in my opinion, is Bush's approach.

A very large percentage of Latinos in this country are full-on American citizens, hardworking and taxpaying. They have no more to gain from filling this nation with illiterate immigrants than anyone else. In addition, they often have strong values that are considerably more conservative, religious, and family-oriented than many other Americans.

My perception is that Bush can attract the Latino vote by simply expressing real Republican values, not by becoming a carbon-copy Democrat. I believe that his real values were what impressed Texas Latinos, and could do so nationwide.