GOP candidates weigh in on Cuba policy

[January 24, 2012]  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- All four of the Republican presidential candidates say they'd like to see a Cuba free of Castro's rule, though they differ on how they'd approach relations with Cuba.

Mitt Romney says it's important for the U.S. to stand with people who want freedom, including Cubans.

Newt Gingrich says he would use covert operations and other means to bring down Castro.

Rick Santorum says it's important for the U.S. to deal with Cuba but says he can't foresee a relationship before Fidel Castro and his brother are out of power.

For his part, Ron Paul says he would like to see the Cuban people celebrate their own freedom without any U.S. involvement.

The issue of Cuba looms large in Florida, where there are many Cuban expatriates.

[Associated Press]

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