Prominent Philadelphia Latino Defends Corbett In Comment Controversy

By Tony Romeo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - At least one prominent Philadelphia Latino Democrat believes the latest flap over comments by Governor Corbett is overblown and says the general trend of hyping up controversy over comments by political figures isn't good for democracy.

Ken Trujillo was nominated by Governor Corbett to serve on the Liquor Control Board.

Corbett, at an appearance in Philadelphia, was asked about Latinos on his staff, and took heat for saying "if you can find us one, please let us know."

Trujillo actively campaigned against Corbett in the past, but says he nonetheless respects the governor as a person and believes his comments have been unfairly construed.

Trujillo sees it as part of a larger trend of Internet and social media pouncing on every comment made by Corbett and other politicians, a trend he believes alienates voters.

"I think ultimately it starts to lose credibility with voters when every single phrase you say is parsed out," he says.

Trujillo, by the way, never made it to the LCB because a spokesman for the Senate Republican leader says Democrats indicated they would provide no votes for his confirmation.