WASHINGTON (AP) -- New figures show the Hispanic population in Wisconsin grew about 40 percent since the 2000 census.

The latest census data released today puts the number of Hispanics in Wisconsin at about 272,000 as of last July, which is up from about 195,000 in 2000.

Nationwide, the Hispanic population gained about a million and a half and rose to just over 45 million.

With the growing numbers, that segment of the population is seen as gaining influence in elections, depending on how many turn out at the polls.