Kasich: Hispanics ‘hard-working,’ ‘critical to our country’

Ohio Gov. John Kasich defended his comments regarding Hispanics Sunday after drawing criticism for a statement about tipping hotel workers.

Kasich, who is running for the GOP nomination for president, sought to blunt the impact of his Thursday comments, which were criticized by Hispanic leaders for furthering a stereotype that Hispanics often work in low-paying hospitality jobs.

{mosads}“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 last week in an attempt to praise Hispanics and reach out to them.

On Sunday, Kasich tried to demonstrate his understanding that Hispanics work in a variety of positions throughout the economy.

“I’ve always said that Hispanics are such a critical part of the fabric of the United States,” Kasich told host Chuck Todd on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

“They occupy jobs from top to bottom. They’re so critical to our country. They’re God-fearing, and they’re hard-working.”

The Ohio governor and former banking executive said he has a Hispanic friend who is an oncologist.

“To be clear, I believe that, from top to bottom, Hispanics play a critical role in America, not only today, but going forward,” he said.