Clinton, in Rubio's and Bush's back yard, will call for lifting Cuba embargo

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton is expected Friday to urge Congress to lift the trade embargo on Cuba.

Ahead of her Miami speech, Clinton said Thursday in Maryland that it's in the best interest of Americans and Cubans that the two nations have normal relations.

That puts Clinton in line with President Barack Obama, who moved to normalize Cuban relations last year. Congress must act to lift the embargo, but that's unlikely to happen soon with the Republicans in charge.

Clinton's position also offers a stark contrast with two Republican presidential contenders from Florida: Sen. Marco Rubio and former Gov. Jeb Bush.

Cuba remains a flashpoint in the critical presidential swing state.