GOP Strategist Defends Alan Hays' Remarks on Hispanics and Redistricting

Republican officials remain mum about a GOP lawmaker's comments drawing a line between legal and illegal residents in the redistricting process, but one veteran party strategist said the remarks were "legitimate."

"Senator [Alan} Hays has made a legitimate point in discussing the obvious differences between legally registered voters and those individuals that the federal Census correctly identifies as 'Hispanic' or Latino," said Doug Guetzloe of Orlando.

"The very foundation of the republic requires that elections be conducted between duly qualified candidates who are citizens that meet the requirements of candidacy, and that those candidates be elected by citizens who are qualified to vote.

"Senator Hays made no disparaging remarks and should be commended for correctly discussing a legitimate concern that many may have," Guetzloe said.

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