Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus started his push to reach out to the Latino community on Saturday by selling the GOP’s position on stronger border control as part of immigration reform. He asserted that border security was a human rights issue, saying:
We need a solution that strengthens families. We need a solution that expands economic opportunity. And one of the reasons we need improved border security — that is not mentioned enough — is to further prevent violence and drug trafficking… and the brutal human trafficking and exploitation of women and girls.
Speaking at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials conference, Preibus noted, ” It’s important that Republicans are taking a lead in this policy discussion … We’ve completely reshaped our engagement efforts at the RNC to be more community based. We’re hiring from the community so we can get to know the community–the towns, neighborhoods, and churches.”
Although Priebus acknowledged that he doesn’t make policy decisions, he added, “But I join you in hoping the men and women on Capitol Hill get it right.”
GOP conservatives have torched the Senate’s immigration reform proposal for its feeble attempt at border security. Priebus also trumpeted the success of governors in Texas, New Mexico and Nevada in reaching out to the Latino community by offering more school choices. He announced earlier this year that the RNC will spend $10 million to reach minority voters.
Priebus concluded that he wasn’t trying to convert the Latinos attending. He said, “But I hope that it’s clear that we do want to earn your trust and your vote…and that we can find common ground.”