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€