Second Cuban senator (Robert Menendez ) elates Miami friends

[Freddie Stubbs]

The U.S. Senate will get its second Cuban-American member with the elevation of a New Jersey congressman, a Democrat who's a welcome figure in Miami's Cuban-American community.
BY LESLEY CLARK
[e-mail]

U.S. Rep. Robert Menendez will become the second Cuban-American in the U.S. Senate, with New Jersey governor-elect Jon Corzine expected to name the Democrat today to fill his remaining term in office.

The selection of the former mayor of Union City, N.J. -- the second-largest Cuban stronghold in the United States -- carries major significance for Cuban-Americans in Miami. Menendez is a frequent visitor to South Florida, raising money, campaigning for Democrats -- and proving a stalwart voice in efforts to oust Fidel Castro.

Said Menendez's Agustin ''Gus'' Garcia, a Miami Democrat who has known Menendez since they were teens in New Jersey, ``For a little island to produce two U.S. senators, for those who work factories and clean floors, it's a great honor.''

Garcia, his voice breaking, said he got a phone call late Tuesday from Menendez, who didn't confirm his selection, telling him only that ''the news'' would probably be announced today. Democratic congressional aides, speaking anonymously because Corzine has not publicly tipped his hand, told the Associated Press that the decision to select Menendez had been expected to be announced as early as Tuesday.

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