Tune In, Turn Off, Turnout

Remember the decision by the White House to punt on immigration reform until after the midterm elections in order to save the Senate seats of some conservaDems?  How's that working out for us?

Some Democrats think the party hasn't done enough to pep up the groups that form its main pillars of support. Veteran Democratic pollster Celinda Lake told The Hill last week that Hispanic voters would largely be unmotivated to vote in this year's elections due to President Obama's decision to delay an executive action on immigration. 

“I think if we'd done something, it would have energized the Latino vote and drawn a clear distinction with the Republicans," Lake said.

In Arkansas, Republican Cotton is leading Sen. Mark Pryor by 3.

In Louisiana, Republican Cassidy is leading Sen. Mary Landrieu by 5.

In Iowa, Republican Ernst is leading Rep. Bruce Braley by 4.

In Alaska, Republican Sullivan is leading Sen. Mark Begich by 4.

In Colorado, Republican Gardner is leading Sen. Mark Udall by 1.

Would a more energized Hispanic voting bloc be closing the gap in some or all of those States? Judging from Pew's tabulations below, it might be a difference maker in Colorado and Alaska, possibly even Arkansas and Louisiana.

Like all midterm elections, this one is all about turnout;  getting your base voter to the polls was never going to be a problem for low-information/ high-rage right-wing Republicans.  They'd be motivated whether or not the President took executive action on immigration. But how are Democrats motivating a  key part of their base -- Hispanic voters -- except to give them reasons to stay away from the polls?  Now, even if the Hispanic vote isn't determinative in all those States, having the guts to fight for what you believe is right has the bonus effect of putting you in the best political light as well.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could start this election season over again and not get into the usual Democrat Fearful Defensive Crouch?