WASHINGTON — Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama sought yesterday to send the same message to a critical constituency: They understand that Hispanics 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 Hispanic group. Appearances before a third were on tap for next week, underscoring the fierce fight for these fickle voters.

The rivals, to be sure, pressed anew their support for comprehensive immigration reform, a bedrock issue for Hispanics, in separate speeches to the League of United Latin American Citizens. But each candidate was primarily focused on making the case that he — 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," McCain said. 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, saying 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 Hispanics. The economy, healthcare, education and pathways to success are issues that resonate strongly with members of the fastest growing minority group.

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 promised 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."

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 also laced his speech with criticism 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.

Last month, during separate appearances at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials conference, McCain and Obama pledged to make overhauling the country's immigration policy a priority. McCain assured that audience that he wouldn't pursue the enforcement-only approach sought by hard-line GOP conservatives, while Obama accused McCain of walking away from comprehensive immigration reform.

Both candidates support a temporary worker program and eventual path to citizenship for millions of immigrants in the country illegally. But after a comprehensive Senate bill failed last summer amid coast-to-coast public outcry that split the GOP, McCain has emphasized that the borders must be secure first before people will accept other reforms.