Hispanic Dems Could Make GOP Nervous in Fla.

Registered Democrats will take a lead among a crucial demographic for the first time this week: Hispanic Floridians. The GOP has lost ground in its traditional stronghold for the last 2 years, and its slide might give the Democrats a shot at the critical state and its 27 electoral votes in November, Politico reports. National Dems had largely been ready to cede, but now, "They absolutely need to be in Florida," says the state chair.

But Dems' chances might depend on the candidate. Florida has a dense population of retirees, Jews, and Hispanics—all groups with which Hillary Clinton has fared better in the primary season. But while Florida may be easier for Clinton to bag than for Barack Obama, "Republicans should rightly still be considered the favorites in 2008," a political scientist says. (More Florida voting stories.)