Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Romney would support statehood for Puerto Rico

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Mitt Romney
Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney shakes hands during a campaign stop on Saturday, March 17, 2012 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. People in the U.S. territory don't pay taxes and can't vote in U.S. presidential elections. But they can vote in primary nominating contests, and Republicans will hold theirs in Puerto Rico on Sunday.
AP Photo/Evan Vucci

By KASIE HUNT
Associated Press

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico (AP) — Mitt Romney is courting voters in Puerto Rico ahead of the island's primary as he looks toward voting in Illinois next week.

Romney on Saturday shopped for tropical fruit and told a small crowd he would support statehood for the island if that option wins the Nov. 6 referendum on Puerto Rico's political status. Puerto Rico is currently a U.S. territory.

Romney said former President Ronald Reagan was a proponent of Puerto Rican statehood. He praised the island's culture and its residents' willingness to serve in the U.S. military. Romney campaigned with Puerto Rican Gov. Luis Fortuno.

Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but they don't pay taxes and they can't vote in presidential elections. They can vote in nominating contests, and Republicans hold their primary here Sunday.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Gallery
1 of 1
Mitt Romney
Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney shakes hands during a campaign stop on Saturday, March 17, 2012 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. People in the U.S. territory don't pay taxes and can't vote in U.S. presidential elections. But they can vote in primary nominating contests, and Republicans will hold theirs in Puerto Rico on Sunday.
AP Photo/Evan Vucci