Looking at the South in 2004, it would be easy to come to the conclusion that the Democrats fell flat on their faces. Looking at the larger picture -- especially looking out West -- it is clear that the Democrats are not in as dire straights as some might have you believe. Annie Chuang's latest story in The Oregonian shows yet another aspect Democratic strength in the West that is all too often overlooked: growing Hispanic turnout.

Nearly four times as many Oregon Latinos voted in the 2004 presidential election as did in 2000, according to a recent analysis of voter records by state Democratic Party organizers.

About 45,000 Latinos voted last November -- a number that reflects both a growing population in Oregon and a high-profile, closely contested presidential race.

The numbers have gained national attention from Democratic party leaders who cite "The Oregon Model" for Latino voter outreach pioneered in 2002 by a five-person staff from a dank office in industrial Southeast Portland.

Republicans counter that the increase has as much to do with their stepped-up voter outreach efforts and the appeal of President Bush among Latinos.

The appeal of President Bush among Latinos? In Oregon, Bush won a whopping 17% of the Latino vote. Nationally, John Kerry won as much as 65% of the Latino vote, quite an accomplishment given the large number of Cubans who vote en masse for the Republicans.

If the Democrats can replicate the results from Oregon on a larger scale across the West -- and even in the South, where the Hispanic population is beginnning to explode -- they will have a real shot at building a real majority coalition for the future. It won't be easy, but the potential benefits are well worth the effort.