Ross, Bryant Vow To Fight Illegal Immigrant
GOP Contenders In Running For Lieutenant Governor

POSTED: 9:19 pm CDT June 18, 2007
UPDATED: 9:24 pm CDT June 18, 2007

JACKSON, Miss. -- The Republicans in the lieutenant governor's race both said they'd fight illegal immigration if elected.

State Auditor Phil Bryant and Sen. Charlie Ross spoke to Republican Women on Monday about the number of illegal immigrants who live and work in Mississippi.

"They don't just drop from the sky -- people bring them in here. People get paid to bring them in here. That ought to be a 20-year felony. I agree with Phil they shouldn't get public benefits," Ross said.

"Almost two years ago, we came out with a report saying illegal immigration is costing you $25 million a year. Now it's more like $50 million a year," Bryant said.

The winner in the Republican primary faces State Rep. Jamie Franks in the November 2007 general election.