The 2000 presidential election was one of the closest in history, yet this book shows that the Latino vote and voice in the election were limited in impact. In time for election year 2004, Muted Voices explores general themes and trends in American politics and Latino voter participation while focusing on key state electoral results including Florida, Texas, and most importantly, California. Since 1988, de la Garza and DeSipio have led the way in interpreting the role of Latinos in U.S. elections. This new installment in their series of electoral studies is chock full of data and thematic suggestions about the future of Latino politics. An original introduction by public opinion specialist Robert Y. Shapiro puts Latino voter potential in context with U.S. politics and policy.