BOSTON -- While pundits have been busy analyzing the first 100 days in office, history might well credit the Obama Presidency with opening doors for political candidates of color.

According to the last U.S. Census in Massachusetts, Hispanics are the fastest growing group, while Boston is made up of more than 50 percent people of color. But these increasing numbers have not yet translated into greater diversity among elected officials.

Has history in the White House made a difference? It seems so in the Bay State.

For the first time in Boston, an Asian American is running for mayor. The race for mayor of Newton includes an African American.

Although a black woman has never served on the Boston City Council, now there are two running for a citywide seat. A fair number of Haitians, Asiatic Indians and Vietnamese have announced interest in Boston and state-wide positions.

In Springfield more than 10 Latinos are running for City Council and School Committee.

President Barack Obama may have been the catalyst, but grassroots groups have been laying the groundwork with voter registration and workshops on organizing a campaign.

As diversity in our cities and towns becomes the norm, it is heartening to see a new generation adding a diversity of voice and thus a more "representative democracy" to political campaigns across Massachusetts.