Rivera: Pereda remarks taken `out of context'

A congressional rival of state Rep. David Rivera accused him Friday of lying about his ties to a businessman who facilitates trade with Cuba and called on him to resign as chairman of the Miami-Dade Republican Party.

Mariana ``Marili'' Cancio publicized a video Friday on Rivera's website showing businessman Ariel Pereda standing behind him at his campaign announcement in February.

However, Rivera, a hard-line proponent of the Cuban embargo, said on Spanish-language station WQBA-1140 AM Thursday that he had not seen Pereda since 2006.

The interview followed a Miami Herald story detailing Rivera and Pereda's close friendship and political ties. Public records show Pereda chaired a fundraising committee for Rivera.

``I think David Rivera's lying,'' Cancio said. ``It's very troublesome. It's really well known in this community that they're very good friends and have been for a long time. It's a hypocrisy the voters are tired of.''

Rivera's campaign manager Javi Correoso said Rivera's quote was taken out of context. Rivera meant he hadn't seen Pereda active in Republican circles, not that he hadn't seen him at all, Correoso said.

On the radio, Rivera said in Spanish: ``Clearly everyone knows that [Pereda] has been active in the Republican Party. Three years ago he left that activism in the Republican Party. He began to advocate as a Democrat as everyone said to do business with Cuba. I haven't seen him in any activity since the election of Charlie Crist to governor in the year 2006.''

Correoso stressed that Pereda was closer to Democrat Joe Garcia, another candidate for the congressional seat being vacated by Mario Diaz-Balart.

``Considering that he supports Joe Garcia, it's not at all surprising that Mr. Pereda would be at an announcement to get information,'' Correoso said.

On the radio, Rivera was questioned about being spotted at Pereda's wedding a few years ago. He denied being there and denied that they are friends.

``I laughed out loud when I heard that,'' said state Rep. J.C. Planas, who went on the same station to comment on Rivera and Pereda's friendship.

``How can he deny that? It's just silly. I've seen them hang out together.''

Miami Herald staff writers Beth Reinhard and Andres Viglucci contributed to this report.

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