Democrats and Republicans have united to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month

Ahead of second Republican presidential primary debate, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush released a Spanish-language video titled "Todos Somos Americanos" (We Are All Americans). Bush starts off the video, speaking in Spanish, recognizing that people have entered to U.S. and contributed to the economy and community, including Hispanics.

His wife, Columba Bush, also appears in the video, speaking in English: "I have lived over half my life here. We all have the same interests, the same feelings," Columba Bush said.

"Hispanics contribute more every day to our culture; they are an integral part of the American dream. For these reasons and more, I invite you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month," Jeb Bush said, originally in Spanish.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) also acknowledged the month, which starts on Sept. 15 and concludes Oct. 15.

"Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history and culture of Americans of Hispanic descent," RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said.

"We are a stronger, more diverse, more vibrant country thanks to the influence and hard work of Hispanic Americans over generations -- whether in the arts and sciences, business, government, education or the military."

Priebus added the Republican Party recognizes Hispanics' contributions, not only during the next several weeks but all year long.

The RNC chairman also recognized prominent Republicans who are also Hispanic. One name is New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, and she said Hispanics' influence and importance continues to grow every year.

Republican Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval spoke positively about the GOP and its relationship with Latinos.

"[The Republican Party] champions the very entrepreneurial spirit that brought generations of Hispanic families to the United States in the first place," Sandoval said.

"We've seen it in Nevada: we can build a stronger economy based on commonsense, conservative principles, and when we do, all of our families have a greater chance to succeed."

From the other side of the aisle, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz recognized Hispanics for the "integral role" they have made in society.

"From communities who have lived here for generations and helped build our country into what it is today, to immigrants who arrived in search of a better life for their families, to the DREAMers who are among the brightest hope for our future, we celebrate Hispanic Americans," Wasserman Schultz said in a statement.

In contrast to the RNC response, which did not directly address a Democratic presidential candidate, the DNC criticized some Republican candidates. Wasserman Schultz first acknowledged Donald Trump and his "hateful rhetoric" towards Mexican immigrants. She said it is troubling to see Trump rise in the polls despite the controversial comments.

"It is frustrating to see other Republican candidates follow his lead by endorsing some of the same divisive immigration policies. But it is downright disheartening to see Republicans suggest denying the American citizenship of children born in this country to undocumented parents, with even Jeb Bush referring to these American children using a vile and disgusting term," Wasserman Schultz said, referring to Trump and Bush's use of the term "anchor baby."

Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley acknowledged Hispanics involvement with the Armed Forces, creating new businesses and technology.

"At a time when our airwaves are consumed by the racism and hate-speech put out by some in the Republican party, lets take this opportunity to counter the hate and division and instead, use this month to showcase the many contributions given to our country by Latinos and New Americans alike," O'Malley said in a statement, noting Hispanic Heritage Month is "a time to celebrate the contributions and the diversity our Latino brothers and sisters add to our country."

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer said Latinos have "strengthened" and "enriched" the U.S. economy and culture. Hoyer said Latinos should be honored and lawmakers must work to ensure families have opportunities to purchase a home, send their children to college and quality health care.

Hoyer also called for Congress to work on comprehensive immigration reform and "provide those who are willing to play by the rules and work hard with a fair shot at the American Dream."

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Politics Editor Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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