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Posted on 07/17/2003 1:00:51 PM PDT by JackelopeBreeder
Republicans in Arizona's congressional delegation have joined their Democratic colleagues in opposing an initiative aimed at reducing the financial burdens created by illegal immigration.
The eight Republicans said in a joint statement that the initiative "will not solve the problems it seeks to address" and might do more harm than good.
"We agree that more must be done to secure our borders and to ensure that Arizonans do not bear the burdens of an ineffective immigration policy," the statement said. "However, guarding the border is, and should remain, the responsibility of the federal government."
Supporters of the Arizona Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act hope to put the initiative on the November 2004 ballot, when seven of the eight lawmakers - including Rep. Jim Kolbe of Tucson - face voters in likely re-election bids.
The initiative would prevent illegal entrants from receiving public assistance; make it a crime for state and local government workers to fail to report suspected illegal entrants; and require Arizonans to show proof of citizenship before registering to vote.
In announcing the initiative earlier this month, supporters claimed illegal entrants are siphoning away tax dollars through welfare programs as government officials fail to stanch an "invasion" from Mexico. Many Democrats and Hispanics immediately criticized the measure as racist.
Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., called it "mean spirited" and said it has the potential to be as divisive as the bitter debate over the Martin Luther King jr. holiday.
State Rep. Randy Graf of Green Valley, an initiative supporter, said he was disappointed by the statement but confident the effort has strong grassroots backing.
"Quite frankly, I think it's more politics than anything," the Republican said.
He said it appeared to be part of "an orchestrated effort" by the highest echelons of the Republican Party who are concerned about wooing Hispanic voters.
"It's the only thing that can be motivating them," he said, adding that the Republican National Committee and "even the White House" could be involved.
According to Kolbe's office, the statement was also endorsed by Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl, and Reps. Rick Renzi, Trent Franks, John Shadegg, J.D. Hayworth, and Jeff Flake. All but Kyl face re-election next year.
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FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
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It is in the breaking news sidebar! |
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g in AZ
It's a deathwish for the Republican Party.
We agree that more must be done to secure our borders and to ensure that Arizonans do not bear the burdens of an ineffective immigration policy," the statement said. "However, guarding the border is, and should remain, the responsibility of the federal government.
Don't these gentlemen realize that they are the Federal Government, and ought to be doing something about the problem? </ rhetoric>
Those are some very conservative lawmakers. Either the wording isn't good or the timing isn't good; look at what happened in California where they passed the referendum but got nothing for their troubles, no 187, only electoral defeat. If you're going to do something like this it has to be done right or you're shooting yourself in the foot. The fact that none of those conservative congresscritters will support it or stay neutral says to me that the format and/or timing is bad.
This article is about a joint statement from the 8 men who make up Arizona's delegation to the United States Congress. They are our voice at the Federal level. They should be trying to solve the problem, not castigating us for coming up with a solution.
I hit the "Reply all" button and asked if we should all hold our breath.
The replies I received from several prominent local Repubs expressed their frustration with the congress critters.
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