Thread: N.C.: Hagan, Dole put focus on illegals

Article published Jun 18, 2008
Hagan, Dole put focus on illegals

Both the candidates for U.S. Senate use the volatile issue in their campaigns.

By Mark Binker
Staff Writer


RALEIGH — Some of the loudest opening salvos of the U.S. Senate campaign have focused on illegal immigration, an emotionally charged issue that has been the subject of stalled legislative efforts at the federal and state levels.

Both Sen. Elizabeth Dole, the Republican incumbent running for a second term, and Kay Hagan, a Democratic state senator hoping to win a seat once occupied by Jesse Helms, have spoken about the need for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

"Most of us in the immigration movement were pretty cognizant that this would be one of the most contentious issues in the campaign and that it would not be in our favor," said Irene Godinez, advocacy director for El Pueblo, a group that lobbies on behalf of issues concerning the Latino community.

Immigration issues affect those coming from all over the world. But the number coming from Central America and South America — both legally and illegally — is particularly fast-growing in North Carolina and is frequently the focus of discussions.

"It's unfortunate that they're looking pretty much at enforcement issues only," Godinez said of the candidates. "We know that enforcement only cannot work, just as amnesty only cannot work."

Dole's first campaign commercial of the election emphasized her work with sheriff's departments in helping set up local programs to identify and deport those here illegally.

"Most North Carolinians realize what a serious issue this is and what a huge strain this puts on the state's economy," said Hogan Gidley, a spokesman for Dole.

Hagan has been critical of Dole's approach, saying that the federal government should be enforcing immigration laws rather than what she calls "a patchwork" of local programs.

In 2007, Dole helped defeat a comprehensive immigration package that was favored by President Bush.

Opponents say it would have been too lenient on those here illegally, giving amnesty rather than forcing those without documentation to return to their home country.

"One of the important subthemes of Dole's ads is that she gets things done, that she's a person of action," said Andrew Taylor, a political science professor at N.C. State. "There's been a sense among people asking, 'What's she been doing up in Washington?' So she's tried to address that."

Hagan has tried to make the case that Dole is ineffective, even on points where they agree in principle. For example, Hagan said that she, too, would have voted against the 2007 immigration reform measure.

"The difference between them is Sen. Hagan wouldn't have voted no and then walked away from the table," said Hagan spokeswoman Colleen Flanagan, saying the Democrat would have worked to come up with an acceptable bill.

In speeches earlier this year, Dole said illegal immigration was an issue she heard about from constituents quite a bit, perhaps explaining her early focus on the issue.

Hagan's campaign said her experience has been different.

"Quite honestly, it's an issue that very rarely gets brought up on the stump," Flanagan said.

An April survey by the Elon University Poll found that immigration ranked behind the economy, gas prices and education when respondents were asked the most pressing issue facing the state.

Still, nearly a third of those asked said that immigration was an issue that they may make a voting decision, placing it firmly in a second tier of issues behind economic concerns.

Hunter Bacot, the poll director, described immigration as "a classic wedge issue," one that could swing small but important voting blocs in November.

Taylor agreed that immigration was unlikely to be an issue that caused a lot of people to go to the polls but said it made sense for Dole to talk about it.

"It's an issue where the Republican brand is as strong as it can be in this climate," Taylor said. "It's a kind of home field advantage for Republicans in a year when there aren't many issues where people think Republicans are doing better than Democrats."

William Gheen, who leads the Americans for Legal Immigration PAC, says both Dole and Hagan have sounded the "right notes" as far as being tough on illegal immigrants. Gheen's group argues for tougher enforcement of immigration laws.

Though Hagan will be able to criticize Dole for the federal government's shortcomings on immigration policy, Gheen said Dole can tag Hagan with inaction at the state level.

"The North Carolina legislature, which has been under the control of the Democrats, has been killing almost every state-level enforcement bill in committee for years," Gheen said.

Hagan has been a key leader in the Senate for nearly six years and generally backed actions put forward by Democratic leaders since being elected in 1998.

Dole's campaign has been particularly critical of Hagan's vote in favor of a bill that allowed those without Social Security numbers to get driver's licenses, a measure that was later repealed.

But more than any specific vote, Gheen said, it will be Hagan's affiliation with the General Assembly that will be a liability in the fall.

Gheen's ALI-PAC group, as well as other anti-illegal immigration groups, are due to rally at the legislature today.

They are asking legislative leaders to act on enforcement-related bills and defeat proposals that would make it easier for illegal immigrants to attend community college.

Hagan has not been directly involved in this fray — although she has co-sponsored a bill to force employers to used a federal program to ensure their workers are legal.

But Gheen believes she'll suffer in the eyes of activists for just being associated with Democrats in the legislature who "have been vocal in their support of illegal aliens."

www.news-record.com

"It's unfortunate that they're looking pretty much at enforcement issues only," Godinez said of the candidates. "We know that enforcement only cannot work, just as amnesty only cannot work."

Oh enforcement only works! We have just yet to see it happen. Amnesty definitley doesn't work because were still dealing with the bad effects of the Regan amnesty!!!

Elizabeth Dole has career and recent grades of A from ABI. She deserves our support.

www.elizabethdole.org

Added to Homepage:
http://www.alipac.us/article-3286--0-0.html

Populist wrote:

Elizabeth Dole has career and recent grades of A from ABI. She deserves our support.

You're right, Sen. Dole has already proven her worth!

"Most of us in the immigration movement were pretty cognizant that this would be one of the most contentious issues in the campaign and that it would not be in our favor," said Irene Godinez, advocacy director for El Pueblo, a group that lobbies on behalf of issues concerning the Latino community.

DUH...ya think???

Hagan has been critical of Dole's approach, saying that the federal government should be enforcing immigration laws rather than what she calls "a patchwork" of local programs.

Just another Democrat with no clue. Let me put this bluntly...the federal government will NEVER enforce immigration laws to any appreciable extent. Action MUST be taken at the local and state level because the feds are both incompetent and their agenda is run by the eltitists that will not commit to enforcement.

"Quite honestly, it's an issue that very rarely gets brought up on the stump," Flanagan said.

Liar, Liar...pants on fire!!!