Ardent statehood supporter wins Puerto Rico's governorship
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SAN JUAN -- An ardent supporter of statehood for Puerto Rico won the governor's race on the island Tuesday, after campaigning on a pledge to turn the economically troubled US territory into the 51st state during his term.
Ricardo Rossello of the New Progressive Party had nearly 42 percent, or 566,000 votes, when his main opponent, David Bernier, conceded defeat with more than 70 percent of precincts reporting. Bernier had more than 527,000 votes or 39 percent.
"I'm honored Puerto Rico gave me an opportunity. ... We will establish a quality of life that will allow (Puerto Ricans) to return to the land where they were born," the 37-year-old Rossello said of the more than 200,000 islanders who have left to the U.S. mainland during its economic crisis.
Rossello, a scientist and the son of a former governor who also sought statehood for Puerto Rico, argues that barring island residents from voting for president deprives 3.5 million people of their full rights. He also says statehood would boost an economy mired in a decade-long slump, a belief that resonated with many voters.
