Romney Wins Endorsement from Puerto Rico Governor

(NewsCore) - As Mitt Romney reached out to Florida's key constituency of Hispanic voters on Friday, his campaign announced an endorsement by a key Latino politician, Puerto Rico Gov. Luis G. Fortuno.

"Mitt Romney is the one candidate who has the record, leadership, experience, and pro-growth plan to continue the course of private-sector job creation we've begun in Puerto Rico and provide economic stability for generations," Fortuno said in a statement announcing the endorsement, in which he also praised Romney experience as a private sector businessman.

"It is an honor to have Governor Fortuno's support," Romney responded in a statement. "As president, I look forward to working with Governor Fortuno on the issues most pressing for the people of Puerto Rico -- job creation, public safety and resolving the Island's 113-year political status question."

"Every job created on the Island is another American job added to our nation's economic comeback," Romney added.

Earlier Friday, at the Hispanic Leadership Network luncheon in Miami, Romney pledged to support Puerto Rico if it chooses to pursue statehood. Hispanics make up about 12 percent of Republicans in Florida, which holds its primary Tuesday.