Thread: AZ: Barto’s canned response inflames constituents

Barto’s canned response inflames constituents
‘The unintended consequences from passage of the bills I opposed contain unacceptably high tradeoffs …’
BY LINDA BENTLEY | MARCH 23, 2011

PHOENIX – On March 17, Rep. Nancy Barto, R-Dist. 7, followed up her March 8 vote against SB 1433, a bill aimed at nullification of unconstitutional federal legislation, by, once again, aligning herself with Senate Democrats to vote down four out of five anti-illegal immigration bills.

All five bills: SB 1308, interstate compact, birth certificates; SB 1309, SB 1309, criteria for Arizona citizenship; SB 1405, hospital admissions, restrictions; SB 1407, schools, data – noncitizen students, (Barto voted yes); and SB 1611, immigration omnibus, failed the third read.

Senate President Russell Pearce, R-Dist. 18, expressed disappointment afterwards, stating their constituents elected them to do something about illegal immigration and this was their opportunity.

On March 17, however, a letter forwarded to senators by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce may have been the catalyst that swayed some Republicans to vote with the Democrats on bills relating to illegal immigration.

The letter was signed by presidents, vice presidents, chairmen, CEOs, managing partners and directors of numerous Arizona corporations that are advocates of illegal immigration.

The letter stated, “While we recognize the desire for states like Arizona to fill the leadership vacuum left by federal inaction on immigration, we strongly believe it is unwise for the legislature to pass any additional immigration legislation, including any measures leaving the determination of citizenship to the state.

“We agree with you that our borders must be protected first and now. We also believe that market-driven immigration policies can and should be developed by the federal government that will sustain America’s status as a magnet for the world’s most talented and hard-working people and preserve our ability to compete in the global economy.â€

Yep! that's the letter I got from her.

Dear XXXX,

Did you read the bills? When nearly half of our very conservative Republican caucus have voted in support of, this session, other important immigration bills, several which were included in the omnibus immigration bill itself, along with health insurance reforms, substantive pro-life/pro-family and pro school choice bills, fiscally prudent budgets, strong spending limit bills, pension reform, 2nd amendment protections, welfare reforms - and other bills wholly opposed by every Democrat Senator, then maybe one should ask whether there might be good reasons for opposition to these bills.

In my duties as an elected State Senator I attempt to judge each piece of legislation on its merits, not as an ideologue who is bullied into voting for something that either will not have the intended outcome, is unconstitutional or both or that abridges the rights of Arizona citizens. My main concern is for the rights of citizens - not illegal immigrants! The unintended consequences from passage of the bills I opposed contain unacceptably high trade-offs of those rights in order to address this issue.

As I explained on the floor, I agree with the goals of the bills and have supported employer sanctions and 1070 amongnumerous other pieces of immigration legislation over the years. Having said that, not all immigration bills, despite the wishful thinking of some, are created equal.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond.

Sincerely,
Senator Nancy Barto
Arizona State Senate, District 7
Chairman, Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform Committee
602-926-5766 phone
602-417-3261 fax

Not quite as defensive as Steve Pierce's......

Obviously you have not read the bills but are taking someone's word that these were the fix all bills and the best way to fix our huge immigration issues. They weren't and they in fact did nothing to help secure our border, nothing. your letter is wrong and has misled you to thinking they were. I did not turn my back on anyone. I did not vote for corporations. I am a native Arizonan and I care as much as you or anyone else that is sending out misleading emails about this. I suggest you read the bills and correct whoever is telling you we did something wrong.

thanks for the note.

Steve Pierce

....But none the less, defensive.....Guess we hit the nail on the head.

(Had to edit in the bold, italics and underlined...Didn't realize that didn't copy)