Hutchinson backs immigration task in Ark., not tougher air limits

By JON GAMBRELL
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:46 AM CDT

LITTLE ROCK - States can be innovative and help drive federal issues like immigration, but Arkansas shouldn't take stronger actions against greenhouse gases because doing so could hurt its economy, Republican gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson said Monday.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Hutchinson reiterated his pledge to have Arkansas State Police officers help enforce the nation's immigration laws. However, Hutchinson said the creating stronger state laws to cut greenhouse gases, as California has done out west, could hurt the state's businesses.

"I know this is something that Whirlpool has to address in Fort Smith," Hutchinson said, naming a plant cutting 1,640 jobs as it transfers work to a Mexican refrigerator plant. "We are right now losing manufacturing jobs to Mexico and other parts of the globe. I don't think we need to put a more restrictive burden on our industries than our neighboring states have to."

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law this month capping greenhouse emissions for his state, but Hutchinson believes Arkansas would burden its companies if it adopted a similar stance.

Scientists blame greenhouse gases for warming the Earth and causing global climate change.

"It is still our responsibility and we can help shape the national policy, but I don't think we should set a different path for our greenhouse gases that would put an extraordinary burden on our industry," Hutchinson said. "You don't create job growth at any expense, but we are looking to comply with our national standards, which is a struggle with our industries."

While immigration enforcement remains a responsibility of federal government, Arkansas can help by having its troopers enforce federal immigration laws, he said.

The idea isn't new to Arkansas _ in 2005, the Legislature passed a law allowing it. However, Arkansas State Police Director Col. Steven Dozier opted not to send his troopers to the necessary training, saying they already overworked.

While enforcing tougher greenhouse gas laws would "set us in isolation," Hutchinson said stepping up illegal immigration enforcement "strengthens our laws."

Hutchinson's plan calls for about 30 state troopers to receive eight weeks of training on how to questions suspected illegal immigrant drivers. He also would push for greater scrutiny to prevent identity fraud, as some illegal immigrants use fake documents when applying for jobs.

A former U.S. Attorney, Hutchinson compared using state troopers to combat immigration to how local and federal law enforcement agencies work together to combat illegal drugs.

"We are not acting in isolation," he said. "We are acting in partnership."

Hutchinson, a former congressman, faces Democrat and state Attorney General Mike Beebe in the Nov. 7 general election. He was interviewed Monday at the AP's office in Little Rock. Beebe is scheduled for an interview at a later date.

Independent candidate Rod Bryan and Green Party candidate Jim Lendall are also in the race.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/20 ... ljhs80.txt