New Jersey Senator Menendez Rallies Miami Republicans for Obama; Florida Pols Avoid Bush

MIAMI -- The Obama campaign couldn't have planned it better. At the exact moment Air Force One was touching down here to deliver the president to a fundraiser for what The Miami Herald called "imperiled members of his party" (read: Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and the brothers Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart), another much more relevant elected official named Senator Robert Menendez was across town addressing a crowd of Republican Cuban-Americans -- on behalf of Barack Obama.

Even better, not one of those "imperiled" congressional incumbents even bothered to show up for the president, either at the airport, the fundraiser (despite the half million in prize money), or even at Havana Harry's in suburban Coral Gables, Bush's last stop in the hour-long drive-by, each citing "prior commitments."

Republicanos por Obama showed up though, and they showed up in force, filling the entire second floor of a Coconut Grove restaurant called Las Culebrinas for an impassioned get-together with the Democratic Gentleman from New Jersey.

Menendez, who co-chaired Hillary Clinton's campaign for the White House, is, of course, diametrically opposed to the other Cuban American senator currently serving in Washington (Florida's Republican Senator Mel Martinez), so his support for Obama is no surprise. What is surprising is what he sees as an increasing amount of Republicans eagerly joining him.

"I think that just as we see in the polls, many of the [traditionally Republican] Latinos [in Florida] are moving in Barack's direction," said Menendez. "Earlier today we were at a senior citizen's center; this is probably the hard core of the more conservative view, yet overwhelmingly there was support for Obama."

Cuban American Republicans have been tilting toward the Illinois senator for quite a while now, helped along in no small part by Democratic congressional candidate Joe Garcia, once head of both the Miami-Dade Democratic Party as well as the once-archly conservative Cuban American National Foundation. Garcia's run for the seat currently occupied by Mario Diaz-Balart also has seen a significant crossing of the aisle.

Menendez was both "pleased and thrilled with the reception" he's received throughout a whirlwind run around town that included radio and television interviews, a town hall meeting out on the campus of Florida International University and a "Phone Bank Drop By" at the Campaign for Change's office in Kendall, another Miami suburb.

The senator was also incredibly encouraged by both the quantity and the quality of Republicans jumping from McCain's sinking ship, and he was quick to note its importance.

"To leave a roomful of Republicans who are now supporting Obama is, I think, very significant; many of them are community leaders who can influence many others."

And with McCain pledging to continue Bush's restrictions on both travel and remittances to the island nation where many Miamians still have family, it's likely more and more Republicans will be coming over to Obama.

"It's ridiculous," said one of the formerly faithful Republicans. "[Hurricanes] Ike and Gustav nearly wiped out the whole country and we're only allowed to send back $300 every three months? These are our people we're talking about."

Across town though, among the few hard-line exiles that still see Bush as a buddy, the president insisted that he'd ease trade to "this dungeon" 90 miles away "only when the government of Cuba lets the people of Cuba express themselves freely."

"We will change our policy when the people running Cuba free people of conscience from the prisons," Bush continued. "But until then, we won't change."

Since McCain is utterly status quo on the subject, the Republicans for Obama see this as a good reason to stop buying into his campaign.

"The embargo's been in place nearly 50 years," said another member at the Menendez luncheon. "Enough is enough."

And if the mood of the rest of the Republicans for Obama was any indication, it would seem that enough is enough in more respects than just the Cuba policy.

Follow John Hood on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jhood

Comments

[NJmikeV]

From one Garden State guy to another .... Thank You!

[ckinsobe]

While we are on the topic of Miami Cuban Americans: A shout out to my favorite Miami (Beach)politician, a Cuban Democrat by the name of Luis Garcia.

He used to be a commissioner her on the beach and is now in Tallahassee, running for re-election. He is the most no-nonsense, approachable and sensible politician I have ever met.

Go Luis and go other Cuban American Democrats!

[Lolasmom]

BRAVO Senator Menendez .
Thank you for having the fortitude to vote your conscience­.One should vote for the RIGHT PERSON not for the PARTY necessarily.

YOu all remember WATERGATE?
Well Former Connecticut Gov. Lowell P. Weicker Jr was atthe time a much respected Senator from CT, and a Republican. But once the evidence started coiong in he was among the frist to ask for Nixon's resignation.

He remains my hero.
You Senator Menendez have just joined the ranks.

Thank you for having a conscience and for doing what you believe it is right.

OBAMA 2008

[JTyroler]

Could this mean the beginnings of a saner policy towards Cuba? Of all the "communist" (former and current) nations in the world, has Cuba caused more problems with the US than the USSR? China? Vietnam?

[PT6]

McCain said Obama could not work across the aisle!

Admittedly, this aisle is a bit wide but he reached across and a good Republican shook his hand.

I look forward to a new Era of cooperation with Obama in office!

[zurcl]

hear hear.

[JayeSF]

This is great...an­d about time. One of my hugest frustrations with the electorate is the tendency for latinos to vote republican­.....almos­t always against not only their best interests.­...but the interests of their families in their homeland. A concerted effort by the Dems on their behalf can show huge dividends come election day...and, ultimately­...huge dividends for Latino-Americans.

I do hope Hillary continues to make herself visible in these final weeks...es­pecially in Florida.

[Marnie21]

Yesterday I went to my local Obama Headquarters to drop off snacks and beverages. I urge you all please give what you can; these Team Leaders and volunteers are working soooo hard to elect Sen. Obama President. I wish I could volunteer everyday but with college classes and a 2 yr old that’s just not possible but I wanna help. So please help support the volunteers let them know how much we appreciate their hard work. Also I printed 200 flyers of the Obama website to pass out to my friends and neighbors. I know sometimes its awkward going up to strangers but when you believe in something so passionately its worth it. Good Luck and Thanks.

[edwarvir]

I am happy too that the Cuban-Americans are finally
waking up 50 years is very long time not to be able to
see your family. That is painful. Hopefully they will be able
to see each other soon. .

[TAIsabel]

Tell him how proud of him you are:

http://menendez.senate.gov/contact

[TAIsabel]

It has been at least 47 years since I have felt this proud of a fellow Cuban exile!! I used to say that I was one of only three Democratic Cubans in the US and would avoid Miami at all costs (visiting only to visit my mother) since I could not have a conversation with my fellow Cubans that did not involve accusing me of being a Communist for being a Democrat.

Thank you Mr. Menendez, thank you fellow Cubans, thank you for finally bringing in the light and for opening the possibility of having my Cuba back. I never approved of nor do we want an embargo that has been inmmoral, demeaning and painful for all Cubans, both in Cuba and in exile. I feel in my heart that finally, Obama will make relationships with Cuba possible.

Of all the news that I have heard in the last two years, this, for me, is by far the best!!

[grata2ude]

Welcome to all Republicans and Independents who vote for the good of the country not for the party.

[Kirby]

Today I spoke to other Caucasian friends of mine who have been dyed in the wool life-time Republicans, and who are voting for Obama. We are going to turn this country around and back to sound principles of government with Barack Obama. The likes of George W. Bush, incoluding McCain, have bastardized our party by selling out the American People with lies to engage us in a maverick war based on maverick lies to the cost of 10 billion dollars a month, and a dreadly, deadly loss of lives - all for nothing, save what this debacle has done to the American economy.

Life-long White Southern Republican (Descendant of Slave Holders) Happily Proud To Vote For Barack Obama!

[TAIsabel]

Hear, hear for these great Americans with a conscience! This is what America is all about!!

[Middleclassvotingbloc]

Good news

[no1dolo]

Having lived in South Florida for the last 20 years, I have always wondered why the Cuban pop. of Miami stuck with the Republicans even when it didn't seem in their best interest. I never felt that the Repub.s really cared about them (esp. tsince most come here with nothing and need a helping hand.) The Democrats were ready to give that helping hand. I understand their hatred of Castro and Raul and how the Repub.s appeared to support that polically but it's the Demo.s that are willing to welcome them and arrange to help them get settled here. I've been wondering if there would be a shift with this election.)

[savannahdem]

I'm originally from Miami, and considering how the Cubans back home have consistently voted for Republicans, this information is a pleasant surprise.

In fact, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen not only went to my high school, Southwest Miami High, I believe she graduated in my sister's class. I didn't know that she was in a real tough race. I've never been a fan of hers and would be happy to see her go.

[storeyy]

Bienvenido a bordo amigos!! (welcome aboard friends!)

Can you feel the love? I can.

Obama/Biden 08