Ben Carson Visits Puerto Rico, Says Island Has 'Paid Its Dues', Should Become 51st State

Ben Carson visited Puerto Rico over the weekend, peppering Spanish into a speeches, speaking at a Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) rally for gubernatorial candidate Ricardo Rosselló. Dr. Carson drew loud applause, according to videos of the event, as well as the endorsement of the island’s Miss America contestant Destiny Vélez Segarra. Carson’s campaign stop follows visits from rival candidates Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio. Like those Floridians, the Michigan native promised to support Puerto Rico’s bid for statehood. The island is currently a territory of the U.S. The majority of voters in a 2012 referendum sided with statehood.

"Gracias mis hermanos Americanos, my campaign is built around the premise of 'We the People,' and through such lens, I view the statehood question in Puerto Rico as settled," Carson said according to CNN and a video of the event, adding that if elected president he would “leave no stone unturned in my efforts to secure this important step in Puerto Rico's history -- establishing Estado fifty-one."

Puerto Rico is faces an unprecedented debt crisis. Congress is currently considering a bill that would allow the island’s territorial government enter bankruptcy just like states and municipalities can. Perhaps in reference to Puerto Rico’s woes, Carson argued that other recently-minted states faced financial struggles as well.

"The last two states, Hawaii and Alaska, also had a significant problem financially until they became states - then things took off and that will happen here as well," he said, according to the AP.

Miss Puerto Rico Destiny Vélez Segarra tweeted a message in support of Dr. Carson saying “Thank you for supporting PR! You have my vote.”

Since Puerto Ricans are not allowed to vote in national elections, Vélez Segarra may have been referring to Puerto Rico’s Republican primary, which does help select a candidate.

Carson also spoke of his family’s many vacations to the island where, according to the candidate, he and his children have taken cruise, water-skied, and participated in other recreational activities.