MAJOR GOP MOVE, AND A GOOD ONE – AT 5:12 A.M. ET:  Hispanics are the fastest-growing group in America.  In terms of culture, they should be natural Republicans, but aren't.  The GOP, though, in one of its new initiatives that seeks to upgrade and modernize the party, won't accept that situation.  Good, good.  From The Politico:

Alarmed by the GOP’s alienation of Hispanic voters, a group of operatives and former elected officials has launched a bid to wrestle the party’s image back from illegal immigration foes – and it’s led by a Republican named Bush.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has teamed up with former Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, who served in former President George W. Bush’s Cabinet, and former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), a one-time supporter of comprehensive immigration reform, to restore the Republican Party’s standing with this fastest-growing segment of the electorate.

The newly formed Hispanic Leadership Network marks the first major outreach effort by the wing of the Republican Party that believes it must change its tone towards Hispanics to stand any shot of winning back the White House in 2012. It’s backed by Republicans connected to the Bushes and Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign, a group whose big-tent philosophy has been usurped in recent years by the tough rhetoric of illegal immigration opponents.

COMMENT:  Good move.  With newly elected Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, and newly elected Governor Susana Martinez of New Mexico, the GOP has two great anchors for demonstrating its appeal to the Hispanic community.  Now it must come up with a thoughtful, imaginative immigration policy.

Oh, do I see Jeb Bush mentioned here?  Jeb Bush?  Brother of one president, son of another?  Wasn't he the guy, former governor of Florida, who said he wasn't interested in being president?  And now he's plunging back into politics in a major-league way.  Hmm.  How far off is 2012?

December 2, 2010