Judy Chapa, director of Hispanic affairs for the Republican National Committee, recounted that often when she speaks to groups of Latina women, one will approach her afterwards and say, "Maybe I am Republican and I just don't know it."

DePosada accused the Democratic Party of raising the "flag of racism" to try to prevent Republicans from moving in on Latino voters.

Navarrette agreed with Chapa and DePosada, arguing that the majority of Latinos hold conservative views, including traditional family values and an opposition to abortion.

He cautioned the Democratic Party not to take Latino voters for granted.

"They're cafeteria voters. They pick and choose what they like," he said.

Navarrette, a student at the Kennedy School and a former Crimson editor, urged candidates to focus on education, the economy and crime, which he termed "mainstream issues" and away from "hot button" Latino issues like immigration, affirmative action, and bilingualism.

"If you build your house on these issues," he said, "your house will probably crumble."