The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Luis Fortuño

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Luis Fortuño is the Republican governor of Puerto Rico, and a one-time Spectator contributor. His name is worth remembering, because, as a conservative, hispanic governor, he could draw attention as a possible pick for the vice president slot on a Republican national ticket. Tim Pawlenty has already mentioned him in this capacity.

Joseph Figueroa notes an interesting possibility: as a Puerto Rican, Fortuño is a U.S. citizen and constitutionally eligible for the vice presidency. Puerto Ricans can't vote in presidential elections, however, so while he could run for VP, Fortuño couldn't vote for himself.

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PCC| 6.3.11 @ 10:33PM

Are there any constitutional issues concerning his ability to serve as VP or president, assuming he was born in Puerto Rico?

Wesley Rosario, M.D.| 6.7.11 @ 1:21PM

All true Puerto Ricans (excluding immigrants to the island) are 100% US Citizens. They were granted citizenship while valiantly fighting for the US during WWI in 1917, like Major General Luis R. Esteves, who attended West Point with Gens Bradley and Eisenhower and who commanded the 92nd infantry brigade in WWII. Then, after tens of thousands of others, like my father, who volunteered and fought in WWII (under Gens. Patton and Bradley), and who stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day were given the status of 'Natural born US Citizens in 1952 by Congress and Predient Truman . Puerto Rico on a per-capita basis ranks #2 of all states in military service to the US. However ANY US citizen residing in Puerto Rico loses the vote for national office, including the presidency. Once they move back to one of the 50 states they can vote nationally again. Fortuno is Constitutionally elligible to be President and would make a great Vice-President to any GOP predident starting Jan. 2013.