The potential of the state’s growing Hispanic population to change the political equation typically dominates the conversation in Texas. But another issue looms almost as large for a Republican Party trying to maintain its statewide control: On social issues, young people are more liberal than the aging Texans they are replacing in the voting booths. …
Young people are more likely to approve of civil unions and same-sex marriage, are more liberal on social issues and are more likely to vote Democratic than their elders.
They are also less likely to participate in politics than their elders, which sets up a puzzle the candidates and campaigns will eventually have to solve. CONT.
Ross Ramsey (Texas Tribune), New York Times