It’s economics over immigration – that’s the word from South Florida’s three famous Cuban-American members of congress.
Brothers Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen announced Monday they disagree with Republican Party mate Rick Scott's proposed illegal immigration reforms. But they sure like his plan to create jobs and kick-start Florida’s economy.
“If you ask your neighbor what issue is most important to you, I don't think immigration is going to be number one on his list,” said Ros-Lehtinen. “Not while your neighbor might be losing his job, not while your neighbor might be losing his home.”
The veteran lawmakers gathered at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables and proudly endorsed Scott for governor. Immigration was a hot topic, so was Scott’s business background.
Back in the mid-90’s he was CEO of hospital company Columbia/HCA. Government investigators uncovered massive fraud and the hospital corporation paid a record $1.7 billion in fines after Scott left the company.
“I think Rick has been very clear and very up-front about it,” said Mario Diaz-Balart. “We've heard similar things about his opponent, the difference is that Rick has been up-front about it, he's answered the question a multitude of times.”
While Scott touts his GOP endorsements, his Democratic opponent Alex Sink is doing the same. She's quite pleased that 21 Republican elected officials from across Florida have endorsed her, including South Florida State Senator Alex Villalobos and Raquel Regalado, daughter of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado.
