Thread: Most in state poll back anti-illegal immigration laws

Most in state poll back anti-illegal immigration laws
Jessica Coomes
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 27, 2007 07:42 PM

Arizonans have an appetite for more laws that target undocumented immigrants, including one that would charge employers with felonies for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants, a new poll says.

Just months after voters overwhelmingly approved four anti-illegal immigration ballot measures, the Cronkite/Eight Poll said most respondents support some immigration-related bills being considered in the state Legislature. Those include:


• Classifying undocumented immigrants who commit serious crimes as "domestic terrorists." Support: 51percent. Oppose: 38percent.

• Charging undocumented immigrants with criminal trespassing. Support: 65percent. Oppose: 27percent.

• Making it a felony for employers to knowingly hire undocumented immigrants. Support: 55percent. Oppose: 37percent.

"Clearly, poll after poll after poll shows they want the border enforced," said Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, who introduced many of the immigration bills this session.

Another bill would not let state agencies accept foreign ID cards as proof of identification. The poll said 45percent of people oppose the idea, and 35percent support it.

In the transportation area, 60percent of respondents said they do not want solo drivers to pay for use of HOV lanes, and 31percent like the idea.

The lawmaker who proposed the idea, Sen. Ron Gould, R-Lake Havasu City, said people probably oppose the measure because they do not understand it.

He defended his idea, saying carpoolers still would use the HOV lane without paying a fee. Also, private companies, not the state, would build and maintain the lanes, which would ensure quality, he said.

"It's going to take a lot of work for the public to understand what's going on," Gould said.

However, respondents liked the idea of allowing gas-and-electric hybrid vehicles to use HOV lanes. This month, Gov. Janet Napolitano issued an executive order allowing such vehicles to use the lanes.

More than half, 54percent, supported the idea, while 35percent did not.

Respondents also were critical of a proposal that would stop schoolteachers and college professors from espousing their own political opinions in the classroom.

The poll shows 54percent of Arizonans oppose the measure, and 37percent support it.

Other questions focused on national issues.

If the 2008 presidential race were between Sens. John McCain and Hillary Clinton, Arizonans would favor McCain, 52percent to 32percent.

Also, 61percent of respondents said the court decision that protected abortion rights, Roe vs. Wade, should be upheld, and 30percent said it should be overturned.

The poll was conducted by phone statewide from Thursday to Sunday by Eight/KAET-TV and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

It included responses from 600 registered voters. The margin of error is 4percentage.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0227poll-ON.html

But the governor does not!!! How did you all re-elect her anyway?

The election must be fixed like Kennedy in Massachussettes. I think we should pull out the chad machines for 2008!