The Hill
Inhofe speaks out for tough, new Ariz. immigration law
By Michael O'Brien - 04/26/10 07:53 AM ET

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) defended Arizona's tough new immigration law on Monday, calling it a response to the federal government's inaction.

Inhofe, a conservative Republican who opposed comprehensive immigration reform several years earlier, said there's nothing wrong with Arizona's new law, which is seen as granting authorities some of the most leeway in the country in pursuing illegal immigrants.

"I think the frustration is that the federal government isn't enforcing the laws, so we're going to do it on the state level," Inhofe said of the factors which led to the law during an appearance on KTOK radio.

"I don't see anything wrong with that," Inhofe said of the new law.

The senator did save some tough words for his Senate colleague John McCain (R-Ariz.), though, hitting the 2008 GOP presidential nominee for shifting stances on immigration.

McCain, a longtime supporter of immigration reforms that would give illegal immigrants a path to citizenship, has called for thousands of National Guard troops to be sent to the border between the U.S. and Mexico.

McCain is also in the midst of a primary fight with former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.), who's attacked McCain from his right on immigration.

Inhofe chided his colleague for the perceived shift, saying, "He may be reversing his position on some other things before this is over."

Source:
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing- ... ration-law