Hispanic Republicans: GOP Should Tread Cautiously On Immigration

Four Republican congressmen warn that their party needs to “tread cautiously on immigration so as not to reverse the gains the party has begun to make with Hispanic voters on other issues.”
(via Think Progress)

“Part of the reason we have done so poorly with Hispanics was that there are a number of people who really went out of their way not to solve these issues but to stir them up,” Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla. pictured, right) said. “Fortunately it’s just a couple people. … But I think a majority of the Conference understands that not only do we have to secure the borders but we also have to deal with the reality” of illegal immigrants who are already here.

His brother and GOP home-state colleague, Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (pictured, left), who chose not to sign the “Contract With America” in 1994 because of language that would have cut off benefits to illegal immigrants, said the party has become more welcoming to Hispanics since he came to Congress in 1992.

…

Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) said, “We have a responsibility as politicians, no matter what party you are, to lower the rhetoric and look for a solution. “

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) added, “You can have a very tough immigration stance, and still get lots of Hispanic votes.”

They realize that President Obama wouldn’t be in the White House were it not for the Hispanic vote, and that their voting block isn’t tied to just one issue.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.