NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Republican Gov. Chris Christie has picked up the endorsement of a major Latino group that backed Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine in the last election.
Martin Perez, of the Latino Leadership Alliance, yesterday said the organization is supporting Christie because of his commitment to public schools, small businesses and immigration reform.
“Governor Christie has shown he is the type of leader who can transform this state,” said Perez, whose group represents more than 500 churches as well as Latino police, firefighter and civic organizations.
Christie said the endorsement highlights positions that Latinos and Republicans share and should serve as a model for the GOP nationally to reach out to the growing voting bloc, which supported Democratic President Obama by more than 70 percent in November.
“We cannot expect to get the support of the Latino community if we cannot make the Latino community feel welcome in our party,” said Christie, a rising Republican star and possible presidential contender in 2016.
The endorsement came in New Brunswick, which is in the backyard of a likely Democratic nominee for governor, state Sen. Barbara Buono.