Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Cresent Hardy speech draws mixed reaction from Latin Chamber

Nevada Republicans Election Night Watch Party

L.E. Baskow

Congressman-elect Cresent Hardy thanks supporters as Republicans gather to celebrate election victories, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, at Red Rock Resort.

U.S. Rep. Cresent Hardy drew mixed reactions from Hispanic business leaders Friday afternoon while discussing immigration reform and the state’s struggling education system.

The congressman got a mostly warm reception at a luncheon put on by the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce, but the group became visibly tense when he criticized President Barack Obama’s executive actions granting deportation relief to undocumented immigrants. One woman who declined to be named winced and rolled her eyes.

“The chamber is very open to having politicians come in and talk about their views,” Chairwoman Maggie Arias-Petrel said, noting that the group has no position on Obama’s immigration deal.

Hardy, whose district includes minority-heavy North Las Vegas, also told the crowd that he has “an obligation to create an opportunity for people to come here who are after the American Dream,” and said he would “do everything possible to keep families together.”

Latin Chamber member Vida Lin said she was pleased to hear the congressman support immigration reform but disagreed with his view on the president’s deal because it “moves immigrants one step forward.” Lin and others at the event said they liked Hardy’s candor, even if they disagreed with his views.

Hardy highlighted the importance of addressing Nevada’s broken education system and told the crowd that he wanted to support programs that provide English language development skills for students.

The gaffe-prone Republican congressman also told the crowd he’s “not real articulate” or “a refined, slick, smooth-talking politician” and moments later made a comment that drew bemused looks from the crowd.

While boasting about his new staff member Kelly Espinoza — a UNLV student who previously worked for the Latin Chamber — Hardy muttered, “Who knows where she got her education.” He quickly apologized and called Espinoza “educated” and “ready to serve.”

A spokesman for Hardy shrugged off the comment and said he was “teasing around.”

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