Kasich takes heat for ‘leave a tip’ comment about Latinos

by Bradford Richardson - 09/18/15 1:55 PM ET

Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) is facing criticism for suggesting Republicans reach out to the Hispanic community by being more generous tippers during hotel stays.

“A lot of them do jobs that they’re willing to do and that’s why, in a hotel, you leave a little tip, you know?” Kasich said Thursday in Orange County, according to the Los Angeles Times.

{mosads}Kasich, who is running for the GOP presidential nomination, told an anecdote about being struck by the hospitality of a Hispanic maid during a recent hotel stay, and praised the Latino community as “hard-working,” reverent and family oriented.

“I look at our friends in the Latino community as people that ought to be voting Republican,” Kasich said. “I mean, they’re very strong family. We could all learn a little from them about the importance of family, couldn’t we?”

Opponents jumped on the comments, with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) sending an email out Friday calling the remark patronizing and an insensitive stereotype.

“Here’s a tip for John Kasich and the GOP in the field: try serving instead of stereotyping Latino voters,” DNC Director of Hispanic Media Pablo Manriquez said.

“Try advocating for a path to citizenship, or keeping immigrant families together. Try pushing for policies that will make education more affordable, or will improve health care, or help the middle class.”

Democratic primary front-runner Hillary Clinton also got into the fray, tweeting at Kasich in Spanish.

“Otro producto del Partido de Trump,” the tweet said, which roughly translates to “Another product of the Party of Trump,” referencing GOP primary front-runner Donald Trump, who has made immigration reform the top priority of his campaign.

The governor’s campaign said he was trying to show respect for workers in the service industry.

“He was talking about how great the service was and how we should respect everyone in our society, no matter what their job or position might be,” Kasich spokesman Chris Schrimpf said.

Kasich has come out against efforts to deport those who are in the country illegally, favoring a pathway to legal status and a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

–Updated 4:05 p.m.

Tags John Kasich