Puerto Rico Gov. Luis G. Fortuño endorses former Gov. Mitt Romney

San Juan - A few days before the important Florida Republican Primary, it has been learned that Republican Puerto Rico Governor Luis G. Fortuño has endorsed former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for president.

During Thursday night’s CNN Republican presidential debate in Florida, hosted by CNN, CNN en Español, The Hispanic Leadership Network and The Republican Party of Florida, a Puerto Rican official asked if there would be any member of the Republican Hispanic community that would have a cabinet role in any of the candidates’ administration. Most of the candidates cited Florida Senator Marco Rubio as a potential cabinet member – former House Speaker Newt Gingrich hinted a possible running mate in Rubio. Puerto Rican Governor Luis G. Fortuño was also mentioned as a great Hispanic leader. On Friday afternoon, the Puerto Rican Governor officially endorsed former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for president, according to a Romney campaign press release. This comes as Romney introduced his National Hispanic Steering Committee. In the release, the two-time presidential candidate said he was honored to have the Puerto Rican leader’s support and “as president, I look forward to working with Governor Fortuño on the issues most pressing for the people of Puerto Rico.” “By implementing pro-growth policies that promote job creation, we can help Puerto Rico and the rest of the country,” explained Romney. “e must also commit ourselves to stopping drug trafficking into Puerto Rico as a priority of the Federal Government and the required resources need to be assigned.” Meanwhile, Gov. Fortuño cited Romney’s “record, leadership, experience and pro-growth plans” as reasons for his endorsement. “Mitt Romney has shown throughout his life that the principles learned in the private sector can be applied to all challenges, whether it was saving the 2002 Olympics or balancing the budget as Governor,” said the former Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico. This comes as the latest Quinnipiac University poll suggests that Romney holds a nine-point lead over Gingrich. The former governor has 38 percent support compared to Gingrich’s 28 percent. Texas Congressman Ron Paul sits in third place with 14 percent, while former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum is in fourth with 12 percent.