Central coast Republican hopes to attract fellow Latinos

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California Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado speaks at the launch of the unaffiliated political organization known as "No Labels" December 13, 2010 at Columbia University in New York City. The event features numerous politicians, journalists and citizens in a series of panels which address some of the most intractable political issues in America. Led by Republican political consultant Mark McKinnon, Democratic consultant Kiki McLean, political advisor Nancy Jacobson and CNN contributor John Avlon, the group looks to find solutions to problems partly by getting politicians to put aside their partisan behavior in order to find common ground. — California Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado speaks at the launch of the unaffiliated political organization known as "No Labels" December 13, 2010 at Columbia University in New York City.

For the past two decades California has been tough political terrain for Republicans. That's partly because the state's growing Latino population overwhelmingly supports Democrats.

But one congressional race on the Central Coast offers the right a glimmer of hope. Former Leuitenant Governor Abel Maldonando is challenging Democrat incumbent Lois Capps.

Polls show the race is tight, and Republicans say Maldonado's Mexican heritage can help him appeal to Latinos and tip the race in his favor.

The California Report's Scott Shafer has more.