Thread: Migrants a key issue for election

http://denverpost.com/news/ci_2807040

Migrants a key issue for election
Gubernatorial sparring heats up
By Susan Greene
Denver Post Staff Writer

While Congressman Bob Beauprez strives to put his perceived anti-Mexican comments behind him this week, he and his fellow gubernatorial candidates expect the immigration debate to follow them through their campaigns.

The two other Republicans and two Democrats who have expressed early interest in the November 2006 governor's race say Beauprez stumbled this week with comments he used to express his frustration about how long it could take to extradite suspected cop-killer Raul Gomez-Garcia from Mexico.

"I've vacationed in Mexico before. I know exactly what 'Mexican time' is," he was quoted as telling the Rocky Mountain News.

The 7th Congressional District Republican said Thursday his office has received no complaints about the statement. The only gripes, he said, came in the press from state Democratic chairwoman Pat Waak and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rutt Bridges - both of whom he accused of politicizing his comments.

Still, Beauprez added, "If somebody's seriously offended, then I apologize. ... But let me be real clear: There isn't a bigoted, racist, slanderous hair on this body."

Latinos - especially those from Mexico - make up one of the fastest growing groups in Colorado. Republicans and Democrats are stepping up efforts to recruit Latino voters.

Beauprez, a second-term congressman, blasted the federal government for not enforcing immigration laws, causing "people to grow weary" and fostering intolerance toward Hispanics. Republican Scott McInnis, a former 3rd Congressional District congressman, slammed Beauprez for intervening in Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey's "delicate" efforts to extradite Gomez-Garcia out of Mexico for prosecution.

Outgoing University of Denver president Marc Holtzman, a Republican, said, if elected, he would use the bully pulpit of governor to "vehemently oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants" and press the federal government to "better protect our borders."

Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Bill Ritter - the former longtime Denver district attorney - said he fears that comments like Beauprez's and those from immigrant firebrand Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Littleton, are triggering a backlash against Mexicans who are here legally and "trying to be a part of the American dream."

Bridges' campaign released a statement chastising Beauprez for his "offensive comment."

Bacl-lash???

What in the world does this mean...a "back lash against Mexicans who are here legally?"

Who is "back-lashing" Americans besides the OBL, ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center, National Lawyer's Guild, National Council of La Raza, Anti-Defamation League, etc., etc., etc.?

BUT, keep talking....the more you talk the more people learn.