ELIAN/RENO- Cuban-Americans walk out of FL House during visit

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Cuban-Americans walk out of Florida House during Janet Reno visit

Thursday, December 6, 2001

(12-06) 11:52 PST (AP) --

With BC-Cuban Boy's Birthday, Bjt

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Citing the Elian Gonzalez case, Cuban-American members of the Florida House walked out of the chamber Thursday after former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno was introduced as a visitor.

Reno, a Democratic candidate for governor, was watching from the visitors gallery as lawmakers worked in special session to cut the state budget.

It was not immediately clear how many Cuban-American lawmakers, all Republicans, left the chamber. Three Republicans who are not Cuban-Americans also walked out.

"We decided that we had to demonstrate ... that we did not welcome Ms. Reno to the House of Representatives considering the manner in which she treated Elian Gonzalez," said Rep. Carlos Lacasa of Miami.

Elian was rescued in November 1999 off the Florida coast after his mother and most of the passengers traveling illegally from Cuba to the United States died when their boat capsized. He was taken in by relatives in Miami but his father in Cuba pressed for his return.

Under Reno's leadership, the Justice Department ordered Border Patrol agents to raid the relatives' home in April 2000 and take the boy from his Miami relatives. Elian eventually was reunited with his father and returned to Cuba.

"I know they feel very strongly, but I made a decision based on what was right for a little boy and his daddy," Reno said after leaving the chamber.

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

Answers

If only we could be sure that folks would act similarly at the polls on election day. The very idea of having Reno shaking things up in this state from the governor's mansion is something we can definitely do without.

Haven't we suffered her enough? Geez!

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2001


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