Arizona Republican debate: Tense conversation light on Arizona issues

tusconcitizen.com
by Dan Nowicki

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On the border-security issues, the four candidates agreed that more could be done.

Gingrich vowed to complete a border fence by Jan. 1, 2014, and said if reformers could “modernize the federal government so it’s competent,” the project probably would cost only about a tenth of the $3 million per mile that it is now estimated to cost.

Romney praised Arizona’s employer-sanctions law as a model for the nation and promised to drop the Obama administration’s immigration lawsuits against the state on the first day of his presidency.

“I’ll also complete the fence,” Romney said. “I’ll make sure we have enough Border Patrol agents to secure the fence. And I will make sure we have an E-Verify system and require employers to check the documents of workers, and to check E-Verify. And if an employer hires someone that has not gone through E-Verify, they’re going to get sanctioned just like they do for not paying their taxes.”

Santorum said he opposes requiring homeowners to use E-Verify to check on household help and landscapers, calling that “one step too far.” But he does support allowing Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s office and other local law-enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws.

Paul was cool to the idea of a fence and said he would focus more on stopping the incentives that attract illegal immigrants.

Romney and Santorum also were spared having to address two recent campaign controversies because King did not bring them up.

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, a political ally of Romney’s and McCain’s who is running for the U.S. House in Arizona’s 4th Congressional District, is denying allegations that he abused his power by threatening his Mexican ex-boyfriend with deportation if he would not agree to keep quiet about their relationship. Babeu voluntarily relinquished his role as one of Romney’s Arizona campaign co-chairs.

Meanwhile, Santorum has been on the defensive this week over religious and culture-war issues, particularly after 2008 remarks he made about Satan targeting the United States went viral on the Internet. Santorum has stood by his remarks but vowed to keep his campaign message on subjects that are more relevant to what Americans are dealing with today.

A galaxy of Arizona Republican dignitaries attended the debate, including Gov. Jan Brewer, who has been waiting to watch the debate and meet one on one with the candidates before making an endorsement. In the spin room after the debate, Brewer was surrounded by a large crowd of reporters.

Asked who she will endorse, Brewer said she had not decided yet and declined to say whether she was leaning toward a specific candidate.

She said she met with Romney on Wednesday afternoon and with Gingrich earlier in the day. She also said she had met with Santorum on Tuesday. The only candidate she had not met with was Paul.

“I want to do it as soon as possible,” Brewer said. ” I think it’s important that I get out there and get behind the candidate I think can beat the current administration, and get out there and work hard for them.”

She also said she thought all four candidates did well in the debate, but Romney stood out.

“I thought Mitt Romney did a fantastic job,” Brewer said. “A lot better than he has done in the past.”

Source: Arizona Republican debate: Tense conversation light on Arizona issues - News from The Arizona Republic