http://www.azcentral.com/news/articl...reat20-ON.html

2nd Ariz. lawmaker tells of threats over immigration

Paul Davenport
Associated Press
Feb. 20, 2007 05:28 PM

A state representative who has urged his colleagues to show restraint in what mandates they impose on businesses to help curb illegal immigration said Tuesday that he and his family have received threats in connection with the issue.

"I never thought that I would fear for my safety or the safety of my family when I took a seat in the Arizona House of Representatives," said Rep. Bill Konopnicki, a Safford Republican who owns several restaurants and other businesses.

"None of us should fear for our safety or of those we love," Konopnicki said during a floor speech. He paused several times during the speech to maintain his composure. advertisement

Konopnicki is the second Arizona legislator this year to publicly report receiving threats in connection with immigration and border issues.

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, on Jan. 22 said she had received several sexually threatening e-mails in response to her bill that would make armed civil patrols an act of domestic terrorism.

Konopnicki cited a "poisonous atmosphere" regarding illegal immigration but said he would not be intimidated. "We need to vote our conscience," he said.

However, he pleaded with House Speaker Jim Weiers "to make this stop."

Speaking from the rostrum, Weiers responded by telling Konopnicki that other members periodically had received threats.

"Mr. Konopnicki, you're right. A lot of things have gotten out of hand," Weiers said. "These things happen a lot, a lot more than the public would ever imagine."

"It goes too far to threaten families, Weiers added. "Hopefully we will catch these people and bring them to justice."

Konopnicki later said he got an anonymous letter at his home Friday and that he subsequently got an e-mail that included the name of a person who purportedly sent it.

He said the state Department of Public Safety, which helps provide security for the Legislature, was investigating. "The DPS said you have to treat all of these things seriously," Konopnicki said.