TX-Illegal immigration dominates House District 47 forum
Illegal immigration dominates House District 47 forum
By Tim Eaton AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The issue of illegal immigration dominated much of a candidate forum in Circle C on Thursday evening that featured two Republican candidates for state House District 47.
Both the incumbent, state Rep. Paul Workman, R-Austin, and his primary challenger, lawyer Ryan Downton, told the approximately 50 people in attendance that they would be tough on undocumented immigrants.
During a question-and-answer period, which was moderated by conservative radio host Craig Bushon, a lot of the discussion focused on a piece of failed legislation written by Workman that would have offered undocumented immigrants the opportunity to apply for resident alien cards if they passed criminal background checks.
Downton took the opportunity to hammer his opponent on the measure, which he said sought to offer amnesty to undocumented immigrants.
"It's a clear amnesty bill," Downton told the crowd.
Workman took his turn to vehemently state his point.
"I oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants," he said, adding that his bill, which didn't get a vote in the House, never offered amnesty.
After the discussion again turned toward the amnesty issue and Workman felt enough had been said, he said bluntly, "Let's move on."
The amnesty issue has become central to the race lately.
The Downton campaign, which is being run on a shoestring budget, planted signs throughout the district saying Workman supports amnesty for undocumented immigrants. The signs also directed people to the website paulworkman.org, a site the Downton campaign created to slam Workman.
Workman's campaign, which is well-funded by individuals and political action committees, countered with signs stating that Workman opposes amnesty.
During the forum, one attendee noted that the race — and the forum — was turning into a one-issue campaign.
"That is very disturbing to me," said Ken Rigsbee, 68, of Circle C, who added that there are a lot of other issues that will affect residents of the district, which includes western Travis County and parts of Southwest Austin.
As the forum moved past immigration, the discussion showed how similar the candidates' positions are on several key issues.
Both said they support leaving the state's rainy day fund untouched.
The candidates also had harsh words about President Barack Obama's health insurance overhaul, both calling for it to be repealed.
Workman and Downton also identified water as an important issue for residents of the district.
Early voting for the primary is under way, and election day is May 29.
Illegal immigration dominates House District 47 forum
