By Silvia Rios
RENO, NV— Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio visited Reno, Nevada one day before the Nevada caucus on Feb. 22, attracting about one thousand supporters.
Arturo Rubio, 56, lives near the Peppermill Resort Hotel where the event was held. He walked to the rally, excited to see Rubio in person. Arturo Rubio is a strong supporter of the Republican candidate, saying he believes in his idea of the American Dream.
Arturo Rubio grew up in California where he worked with his parents in the fields; he was seven years old when his family marched with civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. Arturo Rubio supported Ronald Reagan’s presidency and says Marco Rubio shares Reagan’s values.
“He is not only here for the Latinos, but he is here for all the people,” said Arturo Rubio. “I believe in him because he is an American, and he truly loves this country.”
Arturo Rubio believes that Marco Rubio will be able to keep the American Dream alive.
“Many people say he is very young to become president, but he has faith in making America strong and he does not allow people to buy him,” said Arturo Rubio.
RENO, NV – FEBRUARY 22, 2016 February 22, 2016 Arturo Rubio, 56, says he supports Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio because his ideas remind him of former president Regan. CREDIT: Silvia Rios.
“Everyone in this room remembers someone; maybe it was your father who worked two jobs who made incredible sacrifices, maybe it was your mother who made those sacrifices. Maybe it was your grandparents who did that to your parents, or maybe it is you doing this now for your children. This is who we are; a nation of people,” said Marco Rubio.
Fausto Hinojosa drove five hours from Fresno, California with his wife for a business trip when they learned Rubio was hosting a rally.
The Hinojosas are Republicans who previously supported Jeb Bush.
“As business owners, we think he is a good candidate because he understands that the current regulations do not help us,” said Fausto Hinojosa.
Fausto Hinojosa has been a Republican since the age of 18, adding that he thinks the Latino vote views are skewed. He said many Latinos believe if they support Democrats they will be helped, but it ultimately results in government dependency.
RENO, NV – FEBRUARY 22, 2016. Fausto Hinojosa, an audit principal at Price Paige and Company Accountancy Corporation, traveled from Fresno, California to attend Rubio’s rally with his wife Maria Hinojosa. CREDIT: Silvia Rios
Guillermo Carey, 46, attended the rally with his daughter Brooke, 18, who will be voting for the first time in November. Carey, originally from Nicaragua, has lived in Reno for 12 years and is a property owner.
“I want to secure my vote to make sure Trump does not win the race,” said Carey.
RENO, NV – FEBRUARY 22, 2016 Brooke Carey, 18, is a first-time voter attending the Rubio rally in Reno with her father Guillermo Carey, 46. CREDIT: Silvia Rios
He fears the Latino vote is not being represented due to low voter turnout.
“I would love to see the first Hispanic president, and I think with the growth of the Hispanic population we do need to see someone to represent the Hispanics,” said Carey.