No GOP Rush To Embrace AZ Immigration Law
Though few issues rile the conservative base like immigration, GOP candidates have taken a cautious approach toward a controversial new AZ law that would give authorities the power to detain individuals based on the suspicion that they may be in the country illegally.
Few front-running candidates have embraced the new law, opting instead to highlight the frustration that led to the legislation's passage without saying flat-out they support the measure.
"The Arizona law is a natural reaction of states trying to solve a problem that the federal government has basically ignored for 30 years. Year in and year out, states have been forced to shoulder the increased costs associated with illegal immigration," ex-CO LG Jane Norton (R) said. "If I'm elected as US Senator, I will stand up for the rights of states like Arizona to protect their citizens from illegal immigration."
Some candidates have come out against provisions in the bill that would give law enforcement the right to request proof of citizenship, even while voicing support for stronger immigration laws.
"The issue of illegal immigration is a real and profound problem for all Americans. I believe we need a strong wall to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into our country," NH businessman Bill Binnie told Hotline OnCall. But, he added: "The immigration laws passed in Arizona threaten innocent law-abiding Americans and that is troublesome. No American citizen should ever have to hear the words, 'Your papers please.'"
Meanwhile, top GOP leaders have begun to question the legislation, noting the potential long-term impact an exodus of Hispanic voters would have on the GOP. Yesterday, ex-FL Gov. Jeb Bush (R) came out against the bill, telling Politico it "creates unintended consequences." Earlier, ex-FL House Speaker Marco Rubio (R) said he had "concerns" about the bill, especially about its enforcement provisions.
The legislation has given candidates the opportunity to take new shots at ineffective DC, which they blame for allowing the immigration situation to degrade.
"Past and present administrations have failed to secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws," Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) said. "If the federal government had monitored the border, built the fence, and enforced employment laws, the Arizona law would not be necessary. But because the administration has neglected its responsibility, states are forced to take serious actions."
Privately, GOP strategists worry that a discussion about immigration laws -- especially one started by the notoriously hardline AZ GOP -- is harmful to the party. And publicly, GOPers in DC have said they don't see the point in commenting on state legislation, regardless of its national policy implications.
Indeed, most front-running candidates declined to take a position on the bill, and its wide-ranging policy implications, at all. Ex-Rep. Rob Portman (R-OH), ex-NH AG Kelly Ayotte (R), Rep. John Boozman (R-AR) and ex-Rep. Pat Toomey (R-PA) -- all party-preferred candidates in their respective states -- did not respond to Hotline questions about their stands on the bill.
For others running farther back in the pack, the issue can be a potent contrast with the front-runner. Attorney Ovide Lamontagne (R), the NH GOP GOV nominee in '96 and an underdog in the race against Ayotte, supports the bill, a spokesman said. So do state Sen. Gilbert Baker (R) and businessman Curtis Coleman (R), both candidates for the GOP nod against Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). Ex-Rep. Nathan Deal (R), an underdog in the GA GOV race, said in a statement Tuesday he would work to pass similar legislation.
-- Hotline staff writers Sean Sullivan, Felicia Sonmez, Dan Roem and Jamie Shufflebarger contributed to this report.
Binnie? How about asking a CREDIBLE Republican in NH?
Binnie is a Democrat in disguise.
Agreed. Binnie donated to the campaign of dems Martha Fuller Clarke and Marty Meehan.
Those events or conferences boycotting AZ because of its new immigration law move them to AZ Native Casino Resorts and show AZ lawmakers what they missing and help Tribes at the same time. Tribes are sovereign Nations having their own tribal jurisdiction and own tribal laws seperate and apart from State of Arizona.
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I love the suggestion from Terrence H. Booth Sr on May 3, 2010 above. Had not thought of that and it would be a wonderful way to demonstrate how careless legislation amounts to loss to those whom passes a bill that they will never be subjected to.
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