Political analysts predict minority voters in Virginia may not rush to the polls this November like they did in the 2008 presidential election, which could be bad news for President Obama's campaign.
"If you don't have a job or your friends or family don't have jobs, it's hard to get excited about a campaign," said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics.
Sabato says President Obama will still get a majority of the minority vote among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans, but questions if as many people in those groups will cast a ballot like they did four years ago.
"It matters, if you get 70 percent turnout of your strongest supporters, you tend to win. If you have 60 percent of your strongest supporters… you're well on your way to losing," said Sabato.
Although analysts doubt Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican nominee, will gain a strong minority following, he is projecting the image that he would be a president for all people. Romney recently addressed the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, saying he could make things better for the African American community.
"I think it was right to say that because it's not about race, it's about policy," said former United States Senate candidate E.W. Jackson.
"What we need is somebody who believes in them and will unleash their productive capabilities rather than telling them we'll increase your food stamps, we'll increase your welfare," said Jackson, a Republican.
He continued, "Black people don't want welfare, they want to work, and develop like every other human being. And I think Mr. Romney brings that message."
Sabato says he's also noticed there is less excitement among young voters. Young people voted by a margin of two to one in favor of President Obama in 2008.
