GOP Lock on Cuban Exile Vote Challenged
By LAURA WIDES-MUNOZ – 6 days ago
MIAMI (AP) — For more than two decades, the Diaz-Balart brothers have represented South Florida, first in the Legislature and then in Congress, fighting to maintain the nation's hard-line stance toward Cuba.
The two come from a prestigious Cuban family with four generations in public service. Their father once frequented the exclusive American Club in Havana with his friend, then brother-in-law and later enemy, Fidel Castro.
In many ways, they have symbolized the face of Florida's Cuban-American exile community — Republican and ferociously anti-Castro — and have gone virtually unchallenged. Until now.
For the first time, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, 53, seeking a ninth term in the U.S. House, and his brother Mario, 46, seeking a fourth, face serious challenges from a different kind of Cuban-American, two Democrats from far less illustrious families.
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http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hr5xGpZl760Zs2IzC8l25DB5ougwD8VHRTS80http://www.truthdig.com.nyud.net:8090/images/eartothegrounduploads/ap_cuba_embargo_350.jpg
Lincoln, left, Mario, right back row, behind Cuban "exile" Mel Martinez and Jeb Bush
Mayor Raul Martinez, former CANF leader, Joe Garcia