Corbett says he can't find any Latinos to hire

Gov.Corbett tried to reach out to Latino voters last week when he spoke at a roundtable in Philadelphia.

Instead he may have stumbled into his own "binders full of women" moment.

Corbett addressing a group at the Union League was asked by the moderator whether he had Latinos on his staff.

Corbett said no, adding "If you can find us one, please let me know."

The exchange took place at an event sponsored by Al Dia News Media at the Union League and was first reported on the website Think Progress.

The remarks did not sit well with Philadelphia attorney and former judge Nelson Diaz who said it reminded him of GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney's "binders full of women" comment during one of the debates.

"It shows a lack of respect for the Latino Community," said Diaz.

Pennsylvania's Hispanic population - like many parts of the nation - has grown exponentially in recent years, topping 800,000 in the latest census. In Philadephia alone the population has grown by 53 percent since 2000 and there are sizeable Latino populations within driving distance of Harrsburg in York, Lancaster and Reading.

"The state would have lost an electoral college seat without the growth," said Diaz. "Doesn't he realize this?"

The remarks came two weeks after Corbett suggested on a radio progam that the state's sluggish unemployment rate was the result of job candidates being unable to pass drug tests.

Corbett has named Latinos to posts in government.

He nominated New York attorney and physician Eli Avila to serve as his first health secretary. Avila resigned from the cabinet in October. Corbett also named Latinos to state boards and commissions.

Corbett named Mario Montero, an attorney from Allentown, to lead the Governor's Commission on Latino Affairs,.which its state webpage says, advises the governor on policy and legislation and ensures that state government is accessible and accountable to the Latino community.

Click here for Philly.com's politics page.