New York congressman Jose Serrano, a Democrat, posted a message on his Twitter page celebrating the death of Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez:
Hugo Chavez was a leader that understood the needs of the poor. He was committed to empowering the powerless. R.I.P. Mr. President.
— Jose E. Serrano (@RepJoseSerrano) March 5, 2013
Serrano and Chavez have a relationship that dates back at least to 2005, when the congressman brokered a deal with Chavez to have Citgo, a division of Venezuela’s state-owned oil corporation, provide discounted heating oil to his constituents in the South Bronx (via Ben Smith).
