Democrats or Republicans, Latinas Are Swaying the Vote

Values matter, too. Sanctity of marriage? Olivas asks which candidate left his first wife and broke up his family. Abortion is tough. She balances it with immigration reform, which she sees as a moral issue, as well.

"Yes, we're not for abortion, but immigration is a deal-breaker," she says.

The day before the election, she and her business partner in the salon, Dina Busacco, will mark the first anniversary of their business. They don't accept the claim that Republicans are the party of enterprise, the Democrats of interference.

"That's such an old-school mentality," Olivas says.

So she's doing what the Latinas for McCain are doing. Using all her powers of persuasion to make a difference.

Her husband is already a strong Democrat. But many in her extended family back in El Paso lean Republican. They are a project. Her sister became a Democrat this year, was strong for Hillary Clinton, now is coming around to Obama. And her father?

"Even my father's for Obama!" Olivas says. "I definitely credit myself with that one."