Rove says GOP 'doomed' if it alienates Hispanics

SEARCY, Ark. (AP) - Former Bush White House adviser and Republican strategist Karl Rove says Hispanics are natural allies of the GOP and the party will be "doomed" if it alienates them.

Rove said in a speech at Harding University on Tuesday night that the party needs to avoid language that alienates Hispanic voters if it is going to grow and thrive. Rove said it's possible for the GOP to welcome Hispanic voters while still pushing for stronger borders and immigration reform.

Rove said whoever wins the presidential election will face enormous challenges on federal spending and debt.

Rove served as former President George W. Bush's senior adviser and deputy chief of staff.

Rove appears regularly as a contributor on Fox News and writes a weekly op-ed for the Wall Street Journal.

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