WASHINGTON - Republicans hope to recruit 100 Hispanic candidates for legislative seats across the nation in 2012, looking to rebuild its bench of GOP officeholders.
The Republican State Leadership Committee says it plans to spend at least $3 million in hopes of sending more Republican Hispanic leaders to statehouses. It also hopes to make inroads with women voters and voters under age 30 next year and beyond.
In 2010, Republicans helped elect several high-profile Hispanic candidates, including Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Gov. Brian Sandoval of Nevada and Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico.
Hispanics accounted for more than half of the U.S. population increase over the last decade and Republicans say they need to adapt to the changing demographics to help the party in the future.