Bush owes much to the Cuban-American voters, particularly in Florida. Cubans are the only Latin American demographic which clearly favor Republicans and they are a voting force in Florida -- a necessary constituency if Bush hopes to pull Florida out of the bag once again.

In any event, the administration seems hell-bent on dismissing these allies in favor of a tougher stance on Cuba.

Today, the Cuban American Commission for Family Rights announced their disfavor with the administration's policies in the following statement:

In response to President Bush's latest restrictions on Cuba, a large contingency of Cuban Americans will be holding a press conference... to voice their opposition to the new changes that will create immense hardship and heartache for families in both countries.

(...)

These actions are just the beginning of collective grassroots efforts that will take place across the nation and will continue in force until the Bush administration rescinds the harsh restrictions imposed on Cuban Americans and their families in Cuba.

(...)

A portion of these harsh restrictions directed at Cuban Americans include: Limiting families' visits from once a year to once every three years and now requires a specific license, limited to visiting immediate family only -- Uncles, Aunts and Cousins no longer qualify. No exceptions to travel if an immediate family member is terminally ill or dying.

(...)

President Bush's new Cuban sanctions policy creates more hardship for Cuban Americans, his voting constituency, than to the Cuban government and opens itself up to serious discriminatory legal actions, aside from loss of votes.

This is the first time in the history of U.S. reunification policies that such policy goes against family reunification, discouraging visits and redefining the definition of who is family.

Three key risks for the Administration to consider:

1) Loss of voter support in a critical demographic in an absolutely necessary swing state

2) Risk of being labeled anti-family, coursing against the self-proclaimed principles of conservatism

3) Risk of emotional backlash at the prospect of government interfering in family affairs (Anyone remember Elion Gonzales?).

Once again a foreign policy lacking humility will come back to haunt this administration in November. Even if they (cover your ears) FLIP FLOP on the issue, you can bet that memories will not fade of this attempt to interfere with our hearts and minds. Family is sacred.

This might be Bush's biggest electoral mistake to date.