Some recent polls have shown Hispanic support about evenly divided between him and the Mayor.

Moreover, California's initiative - like other universal proposals - lacks critical black and Hispanic support.

Ms. Holtzman said through a spokeswoman that she was not worried about her Hispanic support.

"There was going to be a big outpouring of Hispanic political support for Pineiro."

They have done nothing to earn Hispanic support.

Reflecting the growing competition for Hispanic political support, eight of the nine declared Democratic candidates for president were to speak to the group this weekend.

Some experts think sampling errors exaggerated Hispanic support for the president, but no one doubts that it grew.

The scramble for Hispanic support is evident both within the campaigns and out on the trail.

The measure won 61 percent to 39 percent in unofficial returns, though black and Hispanic support for it fell below 50 percent.

She said the campaign spent about $16,000 to woo black voters, and about as much to win Hispanic support.