Las Vegas,-January 15 , 2008.  On Monday, Governor Mitt Romney was interviewed on Spanish radio talk show “Lo de Aqui...Lo de Alla” (About here...about there) on KRLV 1340 AM radio, making yet another effort to reach Nevada’s Hispanic community and inform Latino voters of why he's the best qualified candidate for president.  The program, which is hosted by Xavier Rivas, has been on the air more than 5 years and is co-hosted by Tibi Ellis and Sergio Osorio.

Romney was asked questions related to the Nevada Hispanic community, and he provided direct answers.  Among the topics discussed were: his experience as a businessman in developing micro-businesses, how he had worked with Latino businesses during the Salt Lake City Olympics and, how he understands Hispanics are no different than any other American because they're interested in being part of the American Dream and have the talent to succeed.  “We need to continue any financial programs now in place such as the Small Business Administration and adjust perhaps procedures to become more active with minority groups,” said Romney.

Since all candidates have failed to direct the immigration issue to its origin, Rivas asked Romney what he would tell Mexican President Felipe Calderon and other Latin American countries about the fact that they need to retain their citizens by creating employment opportunities in their countries and capitalize on the NAFTA agreement.  Governor Romney said that President Calderon has been in office for one year and the level of corruption in Mexico as well as other Latin American countries must be corrected.  He added that we need to be in alert about Hugo Chavez and how he is using his oil economy to penetrate other countries in.  He emphasized how other countries must focus attention on creating jobs and how they should be a natural partner.

When asked about his family roots, Romney said that his father was actually born in Chihuahua, Mexico, to American parents living there.

Romney appreciated the fact that Hispanics are family-oriented people.  He discussed his 38 years of marriage, five sons, five daughters-in-law and 11 grandchildren as having given him a solid base for becoming president.  He concluded the interview by saying, “Gracias” for the opportunity to share his viewpoints.

Note: We received several calls after interview with Governor Romney all positive in reference with our conversation with the governor.

Xavier Rivas