Thread: Illegal Immigration Flare-up in Governor's Race

http://www.news10.net/storyfull2.aspx?storyid=19462

Illegal Immigration Flare-up in Governor's Race
Written for the web by Marcey Brightwell, Reporter

Illegal immigration emerged as a growing issue in the California governor’s race this weekend. sparking a heated exchange between the two major candidates. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called Treasurer Phil Angelides’ immigration policies "disastrous,” while Angelides accused the governor of using immigration to divide Californians and stir up his Republican base.

The political shots began at the California Republican Party Convention in Los Angeles, where Schwarzenegger delivered a speech to 600 party activists Saturday afternoon. Schwarzenegger spoke about the need for immigration reform, telling his party base that the federal government should secure America’s borders "once and for all."

"That’s why we put the National Guard on our border -- to assist the federal government to get their act together," Schwarzenegger said. "Now my opponent wants to pull the National Guard off the border. He wants to give undocumented workers California drivers' license. His policies are disastrous."

The Angelides campaign quickly fired back. The State Treasurer called Schwarzenegger’s remarks "divisive" and said the governor is using the illegal immigration issue to inflame passions for his own political gain.

"He deliberately decided to fan the flames of bigotry among his anti-immigrant right win republican base," Angelides said. "I believe that a governor ought to unite the people of California, ought to calm the waters."

This latest political exchange surrounding illegal immigration comes as a group of Republican assemblymembers finalizes plans for a series of election season hearings on the issue. They’ve formed a new group, called The Republican Task Force on Illegal Immigration, and say they’re planning to hold town hall meetings across California this fall.

"This task force will quantify the impact that illegal immigration has on California, and propose real solutions to this devastating problem," said Task Force Co-Chair, Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R-Irvine.

But Democrats say the hearings are just an election year effort by Republicans to stir up their party base, and help get Republican voters to the polls this fall.

"I think it is just a ploy in a political year," said Assemblyman Hector De La Torre, D-Southgate. "With elections coming up in November, for a group of Republicans to go out and beat the drum attacking immigrants again."

Too bad the people of California don't have a better option for governor. This is certainly one of those situation where a person is forced to go with the lesser of two evils. We all know Arnold is a weak link in our battle against illegal immigration, but this Phil Angelides dude sounds like a nightmare. Honestly, I feel sorry for our anti-illegal immigration brothers and sisters in California, because they are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Sorry folks, but it looks as if you are forced to vote on Arnold again. This is very unfortunate, because California is in a said state and its future doesn't look too bright.