The Gingrich campaign has hired U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s former campaign chief, Jose Mallea, to be his Florida director.  From The Miami Herald:

“At the end of the day, Florida is important and so is the Hispanic vote. Hispanics aren’t just a crucial part of the electorate, they’re part of the cultural fiber that makes Florida one of the most dynamic states in the nation,” Mallea said.

“Newt understands that,” he said. “And he understands what every American wants: economic opportunity and prosperity.”

In addition to Mallea’s connections in the Republican party, and among South Florida Hispanics, his decision to join the Gingrich campaign reinforces the narrative that Gingrich’s candidacy offers the GOP their best shot at wooing Latino voters, particularly in Florida. 

Fortunately for Gingrich (and Mallea) the real swipes against Gingrich’s relationship with Latinos won’t be taken until the general election when the Obama campaign will likely run ads with “Spanish is the language of the ghettos” on a 24 hour loop.