In one of the only accounts of Latino legislative behavior, Stella M. Rouse examines how well the growing Latino population translates their increased presence into legislative influence. Latinos in the Legislative Process explores Latino representation by considering the role of ethnicity throughout the legislative process – from bill sponsorship, to committee deliberations, to floor votes – in seven state legislatures. Rouse first identifies issues that are priorities for Latinos and tells us whether a Latino political agenda exists. She then provides a theoretical framework for ethnicity in legislative behavior and outcomes. Rouse demonstrates that ethnicity is a complex dynamic that plays a variable role in the legislative process. Thus, Latino representation cannot be viewed monolithically.
• Deals with timely subject matter: the political influence of the largest and fastest growing minority groups in the US • Defines a Latino political agenda and examines every stage of the legislative process both qualitatively and quantitatively • Employs extensive data: characteristics from seven state legislatures, the American National Election Study and personal interviews with twenty-five legislators
Contents
1. Introduction; 2. In the 'interest' of Latinos: defining Latino issue priorities and establishing a Latino political agenda; 3. Agenda setting: the conditional role of ethnicity; 4. Latino interests and Latino representation in legislative committees; 5. Vote choice and Latino representation; 6. The influence of Latino representatives: the cases of Arizona's SB 1070 and California's AB 9; 7. Conclusion: where Latinos stand in the representative process; Appendices; References; Index.
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