Two Democrats Turn Up Heat on Mike Haridopolos to Oust Alan Hays

State Reps. Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, and Darren Soto, D-Orlando, want Sen. Alan Hays removed from the Senate Committee on Reapportionment.

In a letter to Senate President Mike Haridopolos, Soto described Hays' comments about a Latino legislative district as "anti-Hispanic."

"It seems to indicate that we are somehow unworthy of voting and of having representation," Soto wrote.

Cruz wrote:

"It was insensitive for Senator Hays to make his comments, but your [Haridopolos] failure to protect the interests of all Floridians is reproachful. I feel the message that you are sending to the Latino population is that their voice is not heard."

At a news conference, Haridopolos tried to straddle the fence. While giving Hays a pass, the Merritt Island Republican said, "We're going to look for minority representation in the Central Florida area."

See related story here.