WASHINGTON — Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama sought Tuesday to send the same message to a critical constituency: They understand that Latinos share the same economic concerns as other Americans — and they will help the whole country prosper.

It was the second time in as many weeks the presidential candidates directly appealed to a Latino group. Appearances before a third were on tap for Sunday and Monday, underscoring the fierce fight for these voters.

The rivals, to be sure, pressed anew their support for comprehensive immigration reform, a bedrock issue for Latinos, in separate speeches to the League of United Latin American Citizens. But each candidate was primarily focused on making his case that he — and not his opponent — could best lead the country out of economic straits and help the middle class achieve prosperity.

"I believe the role of government is to unleash the creativity, ingenuity and hard work of the American people and make it easier to create jobs," said McCain in a speech that focused heavily on his overall economic proposals and, less so, on Latino-centered issues. The economy, the Arizona senator said, is about "the aspirations of the American people to build a better life for their families, dreams that begin with a job."

Obama struck a similar chord later as he praised the Latino community for having "big dreams and a big heart." The Illinois senator said the election is about "making sure that we have a government that knows that a problem facing any American is a problem facing all Americans" and "giving all Americans a fair shot at the American dream."

Opportunity and prosperity were poignant messages for the audience, an organization that advocates social and economic policies benefiting Latinos. The economy, healthcare, education and pathways to success are issues that resonate strongly with members of the fastest growing minority group, many of whom came to the United States in search of a better life.

So, both candidates outlined the core tenets of their economic plans and sought to show they best relate to — and can help — voters struggling with gas prices, job layoffs and home foreclosures.

McCain made fresh promises to help small businesses prosper, make healthcare more affordable, improve education and free the country from its dependence on foreign oil.

"If you believe you should pay more taxes, I am the wrong candidate for you," McCain added. "Jobs are the most important thing our economy creates. When you raise taxes in a bad economy, you eliminate jobs. I'm not going to let that happen."

The crowd in a Washington hotel ballroom greeted McCain warmly, applauding at several lines and giving him a respectable send-off. Later, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, one of the nation's most prominent Latino politicians, warmed up the crowd for Obama. It whooped and hollered throughout Obama's speech.

Obama, for his part, promised to cut taxes for small-business owners, end tax breaks for companies that "ship jobs overseas," solve the housing crisis, help struggling homeowners and invest in infrastructure to create new construction jobs.

He laced his speech with criticisms of McCain's economic plans. He also accused the Republican anew of backing off comprehensive immigration reform, saying McCain "abandoned his courageous stance" during the primary season.

"For eight long years, we've had a president who made all kinds of promises to Latinos on the campaign trail, but failed to live up to them in the White House, and we can't afford that anymore," Obama said. "We need a president who isn't going to walk away from something as important as comprehensive reform when it becomes politically unpopular."