In discussing the absorption of an ethnic group into the political process, this article addresses an important problem in American politics. The author fills a gap left by most studies of the subject by raising the question of how parties encourage or hinder the rate and frequency of ethnic penetration of political elites. His comparison of political participation of the Portuguese in Providence and New Bedford leads him to the conclusion that active party involvement in the nominating and electoral processes is an important factor aiding the political integration of an ethnic group.