[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Why did Romney wait 3 years and 11 months as governor to start cracking down on illegals?
Finger in the wind like most New England politicians?

[nowandlater]

Governor Romney opposed a bill that would have allowed illegal aliens to get driver’s licenses. "Those who are here illegally should not receive tacit support from our government that gives an indication of legitimacy," the governor said, echoing arguments that opponents have voiced in the Commonwealth and in other states considering similar license measures. "If they are here illegally, they should not get driver's licenses," he said.
^{(Scott S. Greenberger, "Romney Stand Dims Chances Of License For Undocumented," The Boston Globe, 10/28/03)}

Romney vetoed a bill in 2004 that would have permitted illegal aliens to pay the same in-state tuition rate paid by citizens at public colleges and universities in Massachusetts.
^{(Office Of The Governor, "Romney Signs $22.402B Fiscal Year 2005 'No New Tax' Budget," Press Release, 6/25/04)}

Romney arranged a federal and state agreement enabling Massachusetts State Troopers to investigate immigration status and arrest illegal aliens they encounter during the normal course of their duties.
^{(Troopers would arrest immigrants, Boston Globe, June 21, 2006) (Governor Romney, ICE Sign Immigration Enforcement Pact, Dec. 13, 2006) (Video: Maricopa County Sheriff Arpaio debates LULAC spokesman about MA pact with ICE)}

Governor Romney fought efforts to weaken Massachusetts' English Immersion Law. "But yesterday, Romney press secretary Shawn Feddeman said the governor will fight all attempts to slow the implementation of English immersion, known on the ballot as Question 2. ...He will veto anything that weakens or delays English immersion, Feddeman said."
^{(Anand Vaishnav, "Romney Firm On English Timetable," The Boston Globe, 1/24/03)}

 

[BlueStateRefugee]

“Finger in the wind like most New England politicians?”

Why did you feel the need to modify politician with “New England”. I believe most politicians have their fingers permanently in the air.

[Plutarch]

So, you join with Mel Martinez in chiding Romney for having the temerity to mention the illegal immigration issue? This issue is being used now to peel support away from Giuliani, which you should welcome. That which can be used now against Giuliani can be a terrific issue against the Dem nominee in 2008.

If the use of the illegal immigration issue were limited to candidates who have been longtime anti-illegal immigration stalwarts, then we'd be limited to Tancredo and Hunter, wouldn't we? Is that what you would have? Can Thompson use the issue, but not Romney? I don't recall Thompson deporting any illegals on Law and Order, nor way back when he was a Senator did Thompson do much.

[rbg81]

Exactly. I’m sure Boston was a sanctuary city in fact, if not in claim. He didn’t do much about it while Govenor. He’s got religion now though—that’s better than nothing.

[skeeter]

The message is welcome, regardless of who delivers it.