LatinaLista — It wasn’t a sure bet that it was going to happen but with fingers crossed, a lot of people hoped for it. We first saw it happening with Marco Rubio and now there are reports that Mitt Romney is showing the same signs.
What is it?
It’s the softening of their hard line approach to what are considered “Latino issues.”
Among Romney’s change-of-heart-issues:
English as the Official Language:
“English has been an official language of Puerto Rico for 100 years and I think selecting the words of your governor, Spanish is the language of Puerto Rico’s heritage, English is the language of opportunity.”
Both languages are currently considered “official” in the island territory and Romney encouraged young people to “learn both.” While he emphasized the importance of learning English, he did not say it should be the sole official language.
But that’s not what he said during debates in January.
The Dream Act
Romney has been firm in his opposition to the Dream Act, which would give undocumented minors a path to legal residency if they attend college or join the military.
“I wouldn’t sign the Dream Act as it currently exists, but I would sign the Dream Act if it were focused on military service,” Romney said during a debate in Florida, where 22 percent of the state’s population is Hispanic.
Among supporters of both issues, Romney’s “softening” doesn’t amount to a lot.
And it just goes to show that when it comes to the Latino vote some of the GOP nominees are realizing they’re really going to have to give in order to receive — but they’re going to have to give a whole lot more.
