RPOF, Hispanic Group to Co-Sponsor GOP Debate Jan. 26

The Republican Party of Florida announced Friday it will co-sponsor a presidential debate with the Hispanic Leadership Network that will air live on CNN and CNN en Espanol on Jan. 26 from Jacksonville.

"The presidential debate, just days before the Jan. 31 primary, will present a great opportunity for our candidates to make their case to Florida's Republicans," party Chairman Lenny Curry said in a statement. "We wanted Florida Latinos to join the conversation, and this partnership with the Hispanic Leadership Network allows it to happen."

"Hispanics and Republicans naturally share many of the same core values," said former Gov. Jeb Bush, who will co-chair a two-day Hispanic Leadership Network conference in Miami that starts the day of the debate and will serve as CNN's main remote location for event coverage. This debate is an opportunity for Hispanic voters to hear from the candidates on the issues that will shape the future of our country."

Jennifer Sevilla-Korn, Hispanic Leadership Network executive director, said her organization's participation highlights the importance of the growing Hispanic demographic in American politics.

"With over 4.2 million Hispanic Americans in the state, many are acutely concerned with the candidates' positions on center-right issues of importance to the community," she said in Friday's announcement. "Co-hosting this debate as part of our 'Inspiring Action' conference will provide the Hispanic community a direct line to the presidential hopefuls on center-right issues."

The Hispanic Leadership Network is an advocacy action group focused on engaging the Hispanic community on center-right policies based on the principles of freedom, limited government and individual empowerment.