Political candidates with non-US accents (Congress, generation, Hispanic, election)

[MrIndependent]

Question -

In a state-wide election, how disadvantaged (or advantaged) would a candidate with a non-North American accent be?

I'm talking about 1st generation United States citizens who have lived in their respective communities for several years, but were born and raised abroad, and therefore still speak with the accent of their native land.

This is assuming that they speak fluent English, grammatically correct, and are easy to understand.
The candidate would also obviously need to have the necessary qualifications to fulfill whatever position they're running for.

If you do think that this is possible, which accents in particular would be most warmly received?
Also, if one had to guess, where in the country would be most receptive and where would be most hostile to such a background?

Before you throw this in, I am fully aware that Arnold Schwarzenegger won his election twice to become Governor of California, while maintaining his strong Austrian accent. However he was a mega-celebrity before winning, so his example is difficult to examine.

From my personal observation, the Australian, NZ, and certain mild British accents can be very pleasant to listen to. I would be curious if a pol of that origin could get past initial reservations and use their accent as a plus instead of a negative.

Thoughts?

[mlassoff]

Tom Lantos, a congressman from California was a Holocaust survivor and spoke with a Hungarian accent and served from 1981 until he died in 2008.

[MrIndependent]

I didn't know about Congressman Lantos. He has a remarkable story. But I guess that makes just 2 from California

[weltschmerz]

A strong German accent always invokes warm and pleasant feelings.

[wutitiz]

Mayor of my town was born in Hong Kong. He does an excellent job. He is a Republican.

[texan2yankee]

I am interested in the content of the candidate's platform only. A candidate speaking in correct English with an accent wouldn't put me off or make a positive impression.

[banjomike]

His light Spanish accent didn't hurt Raul Labrador in Idaho. He's now the 1st District Representative, and is a native Puerto Rican. Right now, he's one of the teabagger's shining lights.

[Packard fan]

A "Chicano" accent DOES hurt a Hispanic candidate if that candidate is stumping OUTSIDE of the barrios.

My spoken English ain't good enough for me to run for any office, it's too "blue collar".

[TrapperJohn]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

Tom Lantos, a congressman from California was a Holocaust survivor and spoke with a Hungarian accent and served from 1981 until he died in 2008.

He's even got a tunnel named after him.

[MIKEETC]

As long as I can understand him/her, then it is no problem for me.

[even if his/her political position differs from mine]