Likely head of State Department Latin Desk has experience, strong feelings on Cuba.(Brief Article)

WASHINGTON -- Otto J. Reich, a Cuban exile with a long career in Latin American issues and longtime links to hard-line anti-Castro groups, is the top contender for the job of Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.

Reich's candidacy for the job of guiding the State Department's Latin American policy is reportedly being promoted by Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida, the brother of President Bush. His strongest rival is Donna Rhinak, currently the US Ambassador to Venezuela. Reich, 55, began his diplomatic career during the Reagan administration in 1981 as special ...

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