Thread: Immigration emerging as big issue in 2006 elections

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Posted on Mon, Feb. 20, 2006

Immigration emerging as big issue in 2006 elections

By JOHN KIRSCH
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Illegal immigration is emerging as a growing issue in the 2006 state elections with several polls indicating rising public concern.

With an estimated 9.7 million immigrants living in the country illegally, 1.3 million in Texas, constituents worry about competition for jobs and the impact on social services and schools, according to lawmakers and political analysts. And some candidates, most of them Republicans, are taking advantage of voter discontent.

State Rep. Vicki Truitt, R-Keller, said a recent poll she conducted found that immigration was the No. 1 concern of residents of her district, which includes most of Northeast Tarrant County.

State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville, said immigration is also a top issue at town hall meetings she holds in her district, which includes parts of Denton and Tarrant counties.

Across the region, far from Texas’ 1,200-mile border with Mexico, other candidates for the March 7 primary say they see the same concern.

“It’s going to be the single biggest issue along with property taxes in state House and Senate races, and pretty much every candidate both Democrats and Republicans ignore it at their peril,â€

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