![Western States Becoming More Urban, Democratic](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2011/10/Las-Vegas-TV-Show-22-300x225.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Western States Becoming More Urban, Democratic
Democratic strategists say western states are becoming more urban and diverse, with an influx of Hispanics, Asian and young voters who favor Democratic presidential candidates.
Democratic political leaders from Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and other western states gathered in Las Vegas Monday at the Project New West conference to discuss how they can win the 2012 elections.
Brookings Mountain West Director Robert Lang told conference attendees that the majority of people in Arizona and Nevada live in Phoenix or Las Vegas. He said that trend could hurt Republican candidates as the West becomes more urban.
Former Bill Clinton adviser Maria Echaveste says Hispanic populations are booming in western states, but some candidates don't understand how to reach those voters.
She says the majority of Hispanics speak English, not Spanish.
Associated Press
More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM
![Montana Air Quality Takes a Turn for the Worse](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-MissoulaSmoke716.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Mayor Davis attending second Bloomberg program on leadership](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-attachment-homeless-3-davis.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![UPDATE: Miller Peak Fire Near Missoula Grows to 1,700 Acres](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-MillerPeakFire-714-EDIT.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Court Victory for Montana Students With Special Needs](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-RS47253_GettyImages-494312894-scr-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Stay Cool Missoula: Tips From Disaster Services Director](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-RS27921_GettyImages-1011404062-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Knife-Wielding Woman Arrested in Missoula After Altercation](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-featured-image-2024-07-15T122519.061.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montana Gas Prices Continue to Rise, More Increases Are Expected](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/04/attachment-RS48332_GettyImages-178371765-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Saving Money on Energy Bills During Missoula’s Summer Heatwave](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-RS20739_GettyImages-488874060-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Missoula Asks for Help to Save Drought Stressed Boulevard Trees](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-Drought-Stredded-Trees-3.jpg?w=980&q=75)