Statehood for Puerto Rico? Candidates Don’t Care
Fox News Blogs by Aaron Bruns
May 25th, 2008

When it comes to Puerto Rico, the presidential candidates want to have it both ways.
There are thousands of people on this island who believe the commonwealth should be made a state. That would bring voting rights and equality under US law – but it would also bring the federal income tax. That’s something that those who oppose statehood would like to avoid.

Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have advocates for both sides on their campaigns here – and Clinton, for her part, is remaining as neutral as possible. At a colorful church service in Hormigueros, Clinton swayed left and right as the congregation sang Latin flavored hymns – but stayed straight down the middle on the issue of statehood.

“I believe all people are entitled to a representative form of government at all levels of government, and that the people of Puerto Rico should have the right to determine by majority vote the status you choose from among all the options,” she said. “I have no preference. My only commitment is to work with those from all factions and with the congress to give you the right to make that decision. I want that done within my first term as president.”

As was fitting for the setting, she cited scripture as a reason to keep going. “Do not grow weary doing good. For in due time we shall reap if we do not give up,” she said.

“There isn’t anything we cannot do together if we seek God’s blessing and if we stay committed and are not deterred by the setbacks that often fall in every life. If I had listened to those who had been talking over the last several months, we would not be having this campaign in Puerto Rico today.”

“But I believe this is an opportunity unlike any in recent history for the needs and interests and diversity of the people of Puerto Rico to be in the spotlight. This is an opportunity to educate everyone about this wonderful place and to have not just our country but the world learn more about Puerto Rico,” she said to applause.
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