By By Robert Blankenship
Brewton Standard
Many people plan to travel when they retire, but Alabama Representative Sonny Callahan's post-Washington travel plans may be taking him to an island of controversy.
The 18-year congressman of Mobile was reported by the Associated Press as saying he intends to travel to the communist nation of Cuba at some time following his retirement in January.
Not only does Callahan intend to travel to the country, but, according to the AP, also said that the U.S. should end the embargo against the country.
In the case that the embargo will be lifted in coming years, Callahan said he wants to visit the country to keep communication open between Cuba and Mobile, which could be a key port for any trade between the two nations.
Callahan said he received an invitation from Cuban President Fidel Castro to visit the country.
According to The Mobile Press, Callahan said "We're going to open up Cuba in this next decade and Castro, I'm told, wants to talk to me about the possibility of the Port of Mobile becoming his access for exports and imports into the United States."
Callahan's press secretary Matt Rhodes confirmed that the congressman was planning to make the trip in order to promote Mobile as a possible port for Cuban goods.
Attempts to contact Callahan for comment were unsuccessful.