A prominent Hispanic Republican criticized Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) Wednesday for questioning how Latinos could side with the GOP.
Marco Rubio, Florida’s Republican Senatorial candidate, said during an interview with Fox News that the agenda the Majority Leader is setting will ultimately drive Latinos away from the Democratic party.
“The number one issue in the Hispanic community in America is economic empowerment,“ Rubio, who is of Cuban descent, said. “I believe a growing number of Hispanics will become Republicans because the agenda Reid supports kills Hispanic dreams for their children.”
During a campaign event Tuesday Tuesday, the Majority Leader said, “I don’t know how anyone of Hispanic heritage could be a Republican. OKay? Do I need to say more?”
When asked by a reporter later to clarify his remarks, Reid responded, “My comment is directed towards how anyone could support what is going on now, especially with my opponent, being in favor of Yucca Mountain, wanting to do away with Medicare and Social Security, the Department of Energy and on and on.”
Reid is running for a fifth term against Republican Sharron Angle.