In another promising sign for the Democrats, there was a sharp increase in participation by many Latino voters in the party's 2008 primary elections.

BBC: Vote USA 2008 issues: Immigration

However, as actual voting began in the Primary elections - which decide which candidate secures the party's nomination - there was a shift.

BBC: Is America Ready For A Black President?

It marks the start of the six-month period during which each US state will hold primary elections or caucuses to pick a Republican candidate, who will be officially nominated at the party convention in August.

BBC: Iowa caucuses: Republican candidates make final pitch

As Republicans escape blame for being the primary cause of a broken Washington, Democrats, as the party in power, are most at risk of losing elections in November.

FORBES