When Gov. Susana Martinez, Gov. Brian Sandoval, Sen. Marco Rubio and Senate candidate Ted Cruz took to the stage during the Republican Convention, the GOP may have finally accomplished the first step in winning back Latino voters.

The nationally broadcast parade of powerful Hispanic leaders was undeniably impressive.

These Latinos weren’t carted out for show, as some cynics have charged, nor were they sent back to their rooms afterward.

Having Marco Rubio introduce Mitt Romney, and having prominent Hispanics emerge front and center during the convention, sent a clear message to Hispanics across the country — these up and coming Republican stars represent a new era of Latino empowerment and involvement.

Message received.

In fact, the message was so clear — and so well received — that after the convention, polls show Romney was able to close the gap on President Obama for the Latino vote and by no small margin.

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