In the presidential campaign of 1844, statehood for Texas was a major campaign issue. Many Americans loved the idea that the United States was growing and becoming larger and more powerful. In 1856, the new Republican Party came down strongly against slavery and polygamy, bringing Utah’s statehood bid into the national campaign. In 1888, after the Washington Territory had introduced statehood bills repeatedly and Congress had repeatedly ignored them, statehood for Washington became an issue in the presidential campaign. Some candidates said the western territories were just too uncivilized to join the Union. The 2020 presidential campaign could push Puerto Rico statehood into national prominence, just as these 19th century campaigns did for those earlier territories.
Puerto Rico a “hot spot”
Politico has identified Puerto Rico as a “hot spot” in the coming presidential election. “Puerto Rico has vaulted into the presidential primary limelight like never before, both as a campaign stop and a campaign issue,” Marc Caputo wrote. “Puerto Rico is now something close to a must-stop for Democratic White House hopefuls.”
Democratic National Committee Member Manny Ortiz, also an advisor to Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello, told Politico that he’s working hard to make Puerto Rico statehood a “top-tier” issue in the upcoming presidential campaign.
It’s happened before. When statehood for territories aligns with an issue that’s on voters’ minds, it can catch voters’ imaginations across the country. Puerto Rico statehood brings up inequality and imperialism, both issues that should resonate with 21st century voters.
Puerto Rico’s Democratic primary is expected to take place in June of 2020, but state leaders are considering moving it up to March. Puerto Rico will send at least 44 delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Puerto Rico is also influential in the votes of Puerto Rican communities in states.
Democratic candidates Julian Castro and Elizabeth Warren have already visited Puerto Rico and more candidates are expected to do so as campaigning ramps up.
Status frustration
“So far, the announced Democratic presidential candidates who have weighed in on Puerto Rico have refused to say clearly where they stand on statehood,” Politico pointed out. “Instead, they say, the people’s will in Puerto Rico should guide Congress on whether to admit Puerto Rico as a state, a position that essentially ignores the fact that Puerto Rico has voted twice, in 2012 and in 2017, for statehood by wide margins.”
Governor Rossello has expressed frustration that candidates continue to dodge the issue. “That’s beautiful that you support self-determination,” he said recently, “but we have already self determined. It is time to take some action.”
In the same press event, Rossello said he wanted clear statements on statehood from candidates, with “no room for wiggle.”
Rossello also told CBS News “It’s not just a matter of having lip service and saying, ‘Yes, we want equality for the people of Puerto Rico,’ but what are you actually going to do about it?”
PR51st is tracking 2020 candidates on the subject of Puerto Rico’s status. So far, we see support for statehood from Andrew Yang, Tulsi Gabbard, Beto O’Rourke, Pete Buttigieg, and John Delaney.
One response
Hola Mi Gente:
NEW YORK RICAN- POEMA
POR Luis Ángel Ramos Irizarry
… SOY TAINO, BLANCO Y NEGRO
QUIZAS CON PORTUGUES, IRLANDES O ITALIANO,
TODO POR EL ORO Y LA FAMA
SE HIZO INJUSTICIA EN SU FAUNA
MAS FUE LA RELIGION
QUE LA REBELION
LO QUE PERMITIO UNA UNION
UNA UNION DE RAZA
QUE SE UNIO LUEGO POR ARTE, AMOR Y PATRIA…
EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO
EL INGLES Y EL ESPANOL FUNDIO
COSTUMBRES Y CULTURA.
EN NUEVA YORK POR LA ECONOMIA
NACIO ESTE JIBARO
QUE AUNQUE CELEBRA CON FIESTA
SU ESTADO DE NACIMIENTO
NO RENIEGA SU MANCHA DE PLATANO
NACI EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS
DE PADRES PRESTADOS A OTRA CULTURA
PERO CON LA MISMA CIUDADANIA
SOY NEW YORK RICAN
Y SOY REPRESENTANTE DE BORINQUEN
Y DE ESTADOS UNIDOS…
CONQUISTADOR DE TRIUNFOS COMO AGUILA Y GALLO!
WE are Americanos with a Puerto Rican background proud of our rich and diverse heritage; born here in the States or in Puerto Rico. There are more to come to Central Florida and we should help each other when possible…
WE are not directly affiliated to any specific group or association due to lack of communication and information exchange; yet we promote them all… The more the merrier… If you have something to promote send it to The Only Group’s Manager (LUIS ANGEL RAMOS IRIZARRY) for Approval through mail. l will gladly post it if it is within our interest.
This group should serve to communicate Community events, Youth Events and Services, Leadership, Social Issues, Educational Issues, Health Issues and promote Businesses from our Community or Service our Community.
My hope is to see some friends join and make new friends through this group. Yet, the main goal is to inform and continue membership and “Synergy” with other Americano groups in Central Florida and in the Nation to keep our local community informed and active.
My goal is for this group to inform and motivate Boricuas from different believes, backgrounds, townships from Puerto Rico, States of origin and political affiliations to get involved in all aspects of our community and to make a difference everywhere.
Who are You? Your life in others…
Please feel free to post your businesses, birthdays, weddings, pictures, news, community programs and any outstanding member of the Puerto Rican Community from Deltona or any other city or state which motivates us and serves us as mentors to continue to “Step Up” in this our city, county, state and country.
Please take a minute to look at the web links below for your information about issues that might be of your interest…
Luis Angel Ramos Irizarry
Boricuas en Deltona, Volusia County, FL
http//:Americano3777.tripod.com
I see the need to provide our students with different options and constant positive reinforcement of their goal and how all the steps have already been drawn for them and they just need to Step Up.