Posted on 01/25/2008 11:27:56 AM PST by ECM
MIAMI (AP) - Florida Sen. Mel Martinez will endorse John McCain on Friday, The Associated Press has learned, a move likely to give the Republican presidential candidate a crucial boost with the state's Cuban- Americans just days before the primary.
The decision is a blow to Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor in a close fight with McCain for support of voters in the Cuban-American community—and to keep his candidacy alive.
Two Republican officials disclosed the upcoming endorsement on the condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the announcement.
As recently as Thursday night, Martinez indicated he would remain neutral in the race, though noted that he was close friends with McCain.
Martinez, who was born in Cuba, emigrated to the United States as a teenager.
Florida's primary is Tuesday, and polls show McCain in a close race with Mitt Romney while Giuliani trails in his must-win state.
Martinez and McCain are longtime friends from the Senate, and worked closely together on a bill that would have created an eventual path to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants in the country.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
Another amnesty hog!
I am shocked..........
It appears that there might be a lesson here, in that the recent endorsement of the N.Y. Times and others—actually reflects the degree to which the left is frightened of Mr. Romney. And, that should Fla. go his (Romney’s) way, then their great attempted hoax on conservative Republicans is in jeopardy.
The more pre-Florida McCain endorsements that come out in the next fews days-—the more proof they give us! IMHO
I guess that Martinez decided that Rudy is a goner. My understanding was that he was withholding his support for McCain because he promised Rudy he’d endorse Rudy.
“Fla. Sen. Martinez to Endorse McCain (big surprise)”
Brothers-in-ARMnesty
tag
Sounds like Martinez is also a back-stabber among his other shortcomings
Will this affect the Cuban vote? This race is still very close, and we need Rudy to siphon as many votes as possible away from McCain for Romney to win.
Yet one more reason to ensure that Mel is limited to just a single term.
I suspect that Martinez has a great deal of influence with the Cuban voters.
He’s garnered the endorsements of Mel Martinez and Jerry Rivers. Now McCain could top them all with the endorsemnt of GOP consultant and political “genius” Karl Rove.
I think you are exactly right. Until very recently Sen Martinez said he would remain neutral and not endorse anyone. Now a few days before the primary someone has convinced him to go back on his word. The McCain internal polling results must be really bad.
Martinez is spitting in the face of his adopted country who took his family in, gave him the opportunities he enjoys and possibily even saved their lives. Where would they have fled had their been no America?
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