Rep. Luis Gutierrez Introduces 'America's Latinos' to GOP
Rep. Luis Gutierrez "introduces" Latinos to GOP
Nov 15, 2012— -- Joining the chorus of political leaders calling for immigration reform, Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) called on Republicans to come to the table.
In a video published on the congressman's YouTube channel and reported on by Colorlines, Gutierrez took to the House floor this morning to introduce Latinos to the GOP.
"It's hard to meet us all at once, because there are more than 53 million of us. But let me tell you a little bit about who we are and what we do," said Gutierrez.
Gutierrez listed facts and figures about Latinos and how quickly they're growing -- noting that the vast majority are citizens.
"You know what else they do? They pay taxes -- regardless of their legal status," the congressman said. "They love America. And my republican friends, I promise you with time, you'll love us too."
Gutierrez also said Republican presidential Mitt Romney ran for president with a "to-do list of creative ways to offend Latinos." But Election Day served as a "wake up call."
Republicans and Democrats need to come together to make progress, he said, acknowledging his party's own failures.
"We need to set aside the mistakes of both parties and do what is right for the American people -- including Latinos and immigrants."
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