Republican presidential hopeful former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts on Tuesday unveiled the endorsements of three prominent Cuban-American politicians based in South Florida: U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz Balart and his brother former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart. Romney named the three of them as foreign-policy advisers to his campaign and as part of his Latin American Working Group.

“I am proud to be working with Ileana, Mario and Lincoln,” said Romney in a statement. “They’re conservative leaders who will help me articulate my vision to make America more prosperous at home and respected throughout the world.”

“The policies of the past three years have put America’s standing in the world at risk. It is time we had a president who understands that our country must lead,” said Ros-Lehtinen, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “Mitt Romney believes that America is an exceptional nation and has a strategy to restore our country’s greatness. The Romney plan for economic growth will create jobs and opportunities for all, especially for South Floridians who are passionate in their pursuit of the American dream.”  

The Diaz-Balart brothers focused on Romney‘s foreign-policy proposals in their statements of support.

“The world is a more secure place when America is leading boldly,” said Mario Diaz-Balart. “We need a president who won’t apologize for America, but will work to secure free markets, economic opportunity, and human rights for all people around the world. Mitt Romney is that leader who will make America stronger and more respected in the world.”

“Mitt Romney is a leader who can rebuild our national defense,” said Lincoln Diaz-Balart. “Our country faces grave threats throughout the world. We need a leader who will stand up for American interests and work tirelessly for freedom and prosperity everywhere. I know Mitt Romney is ready to face these challenges and I proudly support him.”

While Romney placed second in the 2008 Florida Republican primary, carrying 31 percent of the vote and winning 18 of the Sunshine State’s 67 counties, he finished behind John McCain who carried voter-rich Miami-Dade. Ros-Lehtinen and the Diaz-Balart brothers backed McCain in 2008 as he won Florida with 36 percent and went on to win the nomination.

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